Saudi Arabia has reported >80% of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases worldwide. During April 2015-February 2016, Saudi Arabia identified and tested 57,363 persons (18.4/10,000 residents) with suspected MERS-CoV infection; 384 (0.7%) tested positive. Robust, extensive, and timely surveillance is critical for limiting virus transmission.
Keywords: MERS-CoV; Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; Saudi Arabia; infection control; respiratory infections; surveillance; surveillance practices; testing; transmission; viruses; zoonoses.