Key Development

MERS-CoV Since the first alert regarding respiratory infections caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on the Arabian Peninsula in the fall of 2012, the InVS has established a surveillance system for MERS-CoV infections in France, based on the reporting of suspected cases to the ARS by clinicians and their classification (possible case, excluded case) by the InVS (Cire, Saint-Maurice). To date, 621 reports have been submitted to the InVS, of which 188 met the definition of a possible case, warranting the submission of a specimen to the CNR for Influenzae viruses or to authorized laboratories. Among these, two confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection were identified in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in April 2013. The minor pilgrimage to Mecca during Ramadan 2014 will take place shortly (Umrah pilgrimage from June 28 to July 28). It brings together several hundred thousand pilgrims each year. This results in the close proximity of thousands of people from around the world in a geographical area that could increase the risk of epidemics linked to the transmission of infectious agents. In this context, estimates by the InVS, based on previous gatherings, indicate a possible increase in the number of pilgrims likely to present to emergency departments in these hospitals in France with suspected MERS-CoV upon returning from the pilgrimage. This increase is expected particularly during weeks 30 through 34. Nevertheless, given the results of the estimates, this increase remains moderate at the national level and even more so at the regional level, which does not justify, at this stage, strengthening the surveillance system put in place by the InVS.