French health authorities have confirmed that two members of a tour group returning from the Arabian Peninsula have tested positive for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a rare but potentially deadly coronavirus, the Ministry of Health announced Wednesday. Both patients are currently hospitalized in stable condition.
In a statement, the ministry said stringent measures have been implemented to contain any potential spread of the virus. “Management measures have been put in place to limit the risk of transmission of the virus,” the statement read, noting that no secondary infections have been identified so far. Other members of the tour group are also being closely monitored.
Authorities outlined that containment measures include contact tracing, screening, isolation, and strict hygiene protocols for both healthcare staff and the patients’ contacts. The ministry emphasized that these measures cover even mild symptoms, ensuring that any early signs are quickly addressed.
MERS is a coronavirus similar to SARS, first identified in 2012, and is primarily transmitted from camels to humans, although bats are believed to be the virus’s original source. While less contagious than COVID-19, the disease can spread through close contact, respiratory droplets, or occasionally airborne transmission. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
Since its emergence, MERS has caused 2,640 reported cases worldwide, resulting in 958 deaths, with most cases concentrated in Saudi Arabia, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. France previously recorded two MERS cases in 2013.
Health officials are urging calm, stressing that human-to-human transmission is rare, but that vigilance remains essential. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and has reiterated the importance of early reporting and adherence to public health guidelines for anyone experiencing symptoms after travel to affected regions.
Comments are closed.