Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Deputy Minister of Health for Population Health Dr. Abdullah Asiri said that the rumors spreading with regard to the World Health Organization's report on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been somewhat misleading and based on misunderstanding. He clarified that the report is a routine periodic report and does not contain any exceptional indicators or warnings of a new outbreak of the disease.

In a statement on X official account, Dr. Asiri said that MERS infections have seen a sharp decline since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and remain at very low levels. He reassured the public that the health situation is stable, and does not warrant any concern.

The deputy minister stated that the virus has not undergone any new genetic changes and remains endemic in camels, with the possibility of transmission in limited cases to people who come into contact with them if known preventive measures are not followed. He emphasized that this pattern has been known and monitored for years.

He stressed that there is no scientific or epidemiological evidence indicating a new outbreak or a general threat to public health, noting that the periodic reports issued by the World Health Organization are intended for continuous monitoring and surveillance and do not necessarily signify a public health emergency.

The Ministry of Health affirmed the continuation of the epidemiological surveillance and health investigation system according to the highest standards. It urged the public to obtain information from official sources and not to be misled by inaccurate interpretations of international reports.
This clarification comes within the framework of the ministry's efforts to enhance health awareness and provide accurate information to the public, thereby strengthening confidence in the health system's readiness and ability to deal with various emerging health developments.