“MERS-CoV infection refers to a viral respiratory illness called Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) that’s caused by a coronavirus (CoV).

Coronaviruses cause some cases of the common cold. But viruses in this group — such as MERS–CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19 — also cause serious illness.

MERS–CoV was first reported in Saudi Arabia. Since then, it’s been reported in other countries in the Middle East and in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States. Most infections outside of the Middle East have been reported by people who recently traveled there.

MERS–CoV infection ranges from mild to severe.”.

MAYO CLINIC (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sars/expert-answers/what-is-mers-cov/faq-20094747)