Before COVID-19 dominated global headlines, two other coronaviruses—SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)—caused deadly outbreaks. While both diseases were less contagious than COVID-19, they had higher fatality rates and raised early concerns about coronaviruses jumping from animals to humans.
SARS and MERS are both zoonotic coronaviruses, meaning they originally came from animals before infecting humans. While SARS-CoV (2002-2003) disappeared after its outbreak, MERS-CoV (2012-present) still infects people sporadically.
How Did SARS & MERS Start?
Both viruses are thought to have originated in bats before spreading to humans through intermediate animal hosts.
✅ SARS-CoV (2002-2003)
- Originated in bats, spread to civets, then jumped to humans in China.
- Spread globally, infecting 8,000+ people across 29 countries.
- Fatality rate: ~10%.
- Contained by strict quarantine and public health measures.
✅ MERS-CoV (2012-present)
- Originated in bats, spread to camels, then jumped to humans in Saudi Arabia.
- Over 2,600 confirmed cases, mostly in the Middle East.
- Fatality rate: ~34%—much deadlier than SARS or COVID-19.
- Still causes sporadic outbreaks, but no sustained human-to-human spread.
How Do SARS & MERS Spread?
Both viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets but differ in transmission efficiency.
- SARS: Spread through coughing, sneezing, and contaminated surfaces, leading to global outbreaks.
- MERS: Transmits less easily between humans but can spread from infected camels to people.
Unlike COVID-19, neither SARS nor MERS spread asymptomatically, which helped in containment efforts.
What Happens If You Get SARS or MERS?
Symptoms for both diseases appear 2–14 days after exposure and primarily affect the lungs.
SARS Symptoms:
- High fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
- Dry cough and difficulty breathing
- Severe body aches and chills
- Pneumonia and lung inflammation
- Respiratory failure in severe cases
Most SARS patients required hospitalization, with 10% of cases leading to death, particularly in older adults.
MERS Symptoms:
- Fever, cough, and shortness of breath
- Severe pneumonia in most patients
- Organ failure (kidneys, liver in severe cases)
- Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting in some cases)
MERS is more deadly than SARS because it often causes severe pneumonia and organ failure. However, it spreads less efficiently, limiting global outbreaks.
How Are SARS & MERS Diagnosed?
Doctors use lab tests to confirm infections:
✅ PCR Test – Detects viral RNA from nasal or throat swabs.
✅ Antibody Tests – Checks for past infections.
✅ Chest X-rays or CT Scans – Identifies lung inflammation and pneumonia.
Since both viruses resemble pneumonia, early testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Is There a Treatment for SARS or MERS?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for either virus. Supportive care includes:
✅ Oxygen therapy and ventilators for severe pneumonia.
✅ IV fluids and electrolyte management for organ support.
✅ Experimental antivirals (remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir) have been tested with limited success.
For MERS, monoclonal antibody therapies are still in development.
Can SARS & MERS Be Prevented?
While there are no vaccines for SARS or MERS, prevention focuses on reducing exposure and controlling outbreaks.
✅ For SARS:
- Quarantine and strict isolation of infected individuals.
- Mask-wearing and hand hygiene to prevent transmission.
- Rapid containment measures helped end the 2003 outbreak.
✅ For MERS:
- Avoiding contact with camels and unpasteurized camel milk.
- Infection control in hospitals, where most MERS cases occur.
- Public health monitoring in high-risk areas.
Could SARS or MERS Come Back?
While SARS-CoV has not re-emerged since 2003, experts warn that similar coronaviruses could jump to humans again.
MERS is still present in camels, meaning future outbreaks remain possible, particularly in Saudi Arabia and nearby regions.
COVID-19 has shown how quickly a new coronavirus can spread worldwide, making ongoing surveillance of animal coronaviruses critical.
Myths vs. Facts
❌ “SARS and MERS are just like COVID-19.”
✅ They are related coronaviruses but spread and behave differently.
❌ “MERS is gone.”
✅ MERS still exists and causes sporadic outbreaks in the Middle East.
❌ “Only people who travel get MERS.”
✅ While travel increases risk, MERS cases have been found in multiple countries.
Final Thoughts
SARS and MERS were early warnings about how coronaviruses could jump from animals to humans and cause deadly outbreaks. While SARS was successfully contained, MERS still poses a threat in certain regions.
The lessons learned from SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 highlight the importance of global surveillance, rapid response, and pandemic preparedness.
Want to Learn More?
- CDC – MERS – Latest cases and prevention tips.
- WHO – Emerging Coronaviruses – Monitoring future coronavirus threats.