Mahendra Pal^1,, Firaol Tariku², Dhwani Upadhyay³, Ravindra Zende⁴

Zoonotic diseases, both newly emerging and re-emerging, are major causes of morbidity and mortality across all demographic groups. Globally, about one billion people are affected with zoonotic infections annually. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a notable emerging zoonotic respiratory disease that was initially reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Afterwards, instances were recorded from 27 nations, resulting in 2,609 infections and 939 deaths overall as of February 2024, with the majority of cases coming from Saudi Arabia. As the only known animal reservoir for MERS-CoV, dromedary camels are essential to the survival of the virus and possible spread as they secrete the virus through bodily fluids, especially nasal and rectal discharges. Although there is proof of direct zoonotic transmission from camels to people, further research is necessary to determine whether camel milk and meat play a part in the transmission chain. Human-to-human transmission has a long history and continues to be a concern for public health, particularly in those with comorbid conditions. The affected persons exhibit signs of fever, headache, chills, dyspnea, and nonproductive cough. The laboratory help is imperative to make an unequivocal diagnosis of disease. This review emphasizes the need for integrated ways to combat MERS-CoV and emphasizes the implementation of a One Health-based prevention and control strategy as a means of mitigating this persistent danger.

camel, middle east respiratory syndrome, one health, public health, viral zoonosis