Two Tourists in France Diagnosed with MERS Virus

French health authorities have confirmed that two members of a tour group have tested positive for the virus responsible for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday.

MERS is a potentially deadly, though less easily transmitted, variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which first emerged in China in the early 2000s. While the virus is believed to have originated in bats, camels are generally the primary source of human infections.

The two patients, who were on a joint trip to the Arabian Peninsula, are currently hospitalised in France and described as being in a stable condition. The ministry emphasised that measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of further transmission, and no additional cases have been identified so far. Members of the tour group are also being closely monitored.

Preventive measures include contact tracing, strict hygiene practices, screening, isolation, and clear protocols for responding to even mild symptoms, according to the ministry’s statement.

Since its emergence in 2012, MERS has caused 958 deaths from 2,640 confirmed cases globally, with the majority reported in Saudi Arabia, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

MERS presents with symptoms similar to Covid-19, including fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Although human-to-human transmission is considered rare, the virus can spread through direct or indirect contact, respiratory droplets, and occasionally via airborne exposure. France previously recorded two cases in 2013, highlighting the sporadic nature of imported infections.

MERS Virus Overview

Authorities have urged vigilance, especially for travellers returning from the Arabian Peninsula or regions with reported cases, and have reinforced protocols for early detection and containment.