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ECDC update on cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in travellers

On 5 December 2025, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published an update on two imported cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) detected in travellers returning to France from the Arabian Peninsula. The French authorities have implemented public health measures and, as of the latest update, no secondary cases have been reported.

ECDC advises European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries to remain vigilant for acute respiratory infections in travellers from affected areas and to ensure the rapid detection, isolation and testing of possible MERS-CoV cases. Healthcare workers are reminded to apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures when managing suspected or confirmed cases.

Further details are available in the ECDC epidemiological update.

Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Two cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in travellers returning to France from the Arabian Peninsula. 5 December 2025.