MERS

MERS, or Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral illness which appeared in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS is a coronavirus, similar in structure to rhinoviruses which cause the common cold and SARS. The first symptoms of MERS are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Since 2012, MERS has spread across the Middle East, and has been found in camels in Qatar, Oman, and Egypt in addition to Saudi Arabia. The exact source of the infection is unknown, but camels are a strong suspect.  MERS cases outside the Middle East are associated with travel, and are not endemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 820 cases of MERS and 286 deaths. Saudi Arabia has reported 113 cases and 34 deaths. Currently, there is no vaccine available for MERS.

Reports of MERS cases began to increase in March of this year, but has begun to decrease again. However, some scientists at WHO are concerned that the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Saudi Arabia in October will further increase its spread. Currently, MERS does not easily spread from person-to-person (most cases are spread camel-to-person), but the increased number of people exposed to camels in the coming months could allow the virus to mutate. Saudi Arabian health officials say they have increased surveillance and infection control measures in anticipation of the Hajj.

Resources
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/mers-mystery/mers-outbreak-could-spread-annual-pilgrimage-officials-n132866
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/faq.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-28044151