Situation and vulnerability
Elderly, immunocompromised or chronically ill people are more exposed to serious forms. Travel and contact with dromedaries should be specified.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Fever, cough and shortness of breath may develop into pneumonia; diarrhea is also possible. Respiratory distress requires relief.
Diagnosis and monitoring
The signs are similar to those of other respiratory infections. An evaluation with specific tests is necessary; the context of stay and care helps to guide the examinations.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Avoid raw animal products and exposure to dromedaries, especially in case of vulnerability. Quickly report respiratory signs on return and call before moving to facilitate orientation.
Practical issues
Is the risk only from the dromedaries?
No: Communication between people has been documented, especially in close contacts and in care facilities. Prevention must take into account both contexts.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Travel and return dates
- Animal contact or attendance at a care facility
- Chronic diseases and early signs
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
- Lassa fever
- Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
- Zoonotic avian influenza
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
- Adenovirus infection
- Enterovirus D68 infection
Compare MERS with associated cards →
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