The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning regarding a new surge in cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). As of December 21, 2025, there have been 19 reported cases, resulting in four fatalities. Among these cases, 17 were identified in Saudi Arabia, while two were reported in France. This alarming increase comes alongside a global rise in adenovirus infections, prompting health officials to urge the public to remain vigilant for symptoms.
The WHO’s update highlights that between June 4 and December 21, the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia reported a total of seven MERS-CoV cases, including two deaths. Although the overall risk assessment remains moderate at both global and regional levels, these cases reinforce the ongoing threat the virus poses in certain areas. MERS-CoV is primarily known to infect dromedary camels, with occasional spillover into the human population.
New Coronavirus Threats in Brazil
In a related development, researchers in Brazil have identified a new bat-borne coronavirus that bears significant similarities to MERS-CoV. The study, conducted by scientists from São Paulo and Ceará in cooperation with colleagues from Hong Kong University, highlights the potential risk this virus may pose to humans, although its impact is still uncertain.
PhD candidate Bruna Stefanie, one of the authors of the study published in the Journal of Medical Virology, noted, “Right now we aren’t sure it can infect humans, but we detected parts of the virus’s spike protein, suggesting potential interaction with the receptor used by MERS-CoV.” The research examined samples from 423 bats across 16 different species, ultimately discovering the novel virus in an insect-eating bat. This finding has raised alarms among experts, considering the new coronavirus shows a 72% genetic similarity to the MERS-CoV genome.
The spike protein of this newly identified virus demonstrated a concerning 71.74% similarity with the spike protein of the MERS virus. Symptoms of MERS include fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and vomiting, with severe cases leading to fatal outcomes. Currently, there is no vaccine available for MERS, intensifying the need for public awareness and vigilance.
As health authorities continue to monitor the situation, medical professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing symptoms early. With the emergence of new viral threats, the global health community remains on high alert, prepared to respond to any potential outbreaks.
