Netherlands health officials have reported the first case (imported) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a individual recently visited Saudi Arabia, according to a National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) release today (computer translated).

The patient is hospitalized in strict isolation and is in stable condition. Surveillance of contacts is being monitored. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.

MERS infections can cause severe respiratory symptoms, especially in people with other health problems. Diarrhea symptoms may also occur. Human-to-human transmission of the MERS coronavirus is rare, except in close contact with patients and unprotected care of seriously ill people.

Maureen Metcalfe; Azaibi Tamin/CDC
Maureen Metcalfe; Azaibi Tamin/CDC