Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the lethal potential of emerging zoonotic viruses, particularly coronaviruses. While global attention has largely centered on SARS-CoV-2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains an overlooked yet credible pandemic threat. The object...
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Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00884-0 |
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| author | Goshen David Miteu |
| author_facet | Goshen David Miteu |
| author_sort | Goshen David Miteu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the lethal potential of emerging zoonotic viruses, particularly coronaviruses. While global attention has largely centered on SARS-CoV-2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains an overlooked yet credible pandemic threat. The objective of this commentary is to spotlight the virological, epidemiological, and evolutionary features of MERS-CoV and its potential to trigger the next coronavirus pandemic. MERS-CoV, characterized by its high case fatality rate (~ 34%) and persistent circulation in dromedary camels, continues to cause sporadic outbreaks with limited human-to-human transmission. However, the inherent mutability of RNA viruses raises concerns that adaptive mutations could enhance MERS-CoV’s transmissibility, potentially transforming it into a highly contagious human pathogen. This commentary revisits the virology, epidemiology, and zoonotic dynamics of MERS-CoV, highlighting the risks posed by viral evolution, the ongoing “slow burn” of zoonotic spillovers, and the dangers of post-pandemic complacency. We argue for renewed investment in surveillance, vaccine development, and proactive public health measures, grounded in a One Health approach. Vigilant monitoring of MERS-CoV and other emerging pathogens is essential to prevent future pandemics and to avoid being caught off guard once again. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f4c0dff392c94e53ad3013f4563d40a4 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-f4c0dff392c94e53ad3013f4563d40a42025-08-20T03:04:10ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-08-012211710.1186/s12982-025-00884-0Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspectiveGoshen David Miteu0School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Science, University of North DakotaAbstract The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the lethal potential of emerging zoonotic viruses, particularly coronaviruses. While global attention has largely centered on SARS-CoV-2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains an overlooked yet credible pandemic threat. The objective of this commentary is to spotlight the virological, epidemiological, and evolutionary features of MERS-CoV and its potential to trigger the next coronavirus pandemic. MERS-CoV, characterized by its high case fatality rate (~ 34%) and persistent circulation in dromedary camels, continues to cause sporadic outbreaks with limited human-to-human transmission. However, the inherent mutability of RNA viruses raises concerns that adaptive mutations could enhance MERS-CoV’s transmissibility, potentially transforming it into a highly contagious human pathogen. This commentary revisits the virology, epidemiology, and zoonotic dynamics of MERS-CoV, highlighting the risks posed by viral evolution, the ongoing “slow burn” of zoonotic spillovers, and the dangers of post-pandemic complacency. We argue for renewed investment in surveillance, vaccine development, and proactive public health measures, grounded in a One Health approach. Vigilant monitoring of MERS-CoV and other emerging pathogens is essential to prevent future pandemics and to avoid being caught off guard once again.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00884-0MERS-CoVEmerging infectious diseasesZoonotic spilloverPandemic preparednessCoronavirus evolutionOne health |
| spellingShingle | Goshen David Miteu Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective Discover Public Health MERS-CoV Emerging infectious diseases Zoonotic spillover Pandemic preparedness Coronavirus evolution One health |
| title | Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective |
| title_full | Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective |
| title_fullStr | Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective |
| title_full_unstemmed | Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective |
| title_short | Beyond SARS-CoV-2: could MERS-CoV spark the next coronavirus pandemic? A one health perspective |
| title_sort | beyond sars cov 2 could mers cov spark the next coronavirus pandemic a one health perspective |
| topic | MERS-CoV Emerging infectious diseases Zoonotic spillover Pandemic preparedness Coronavirus evolution One health |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00884-0 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT goshendavidmiteu beyondsarscov2couldmerscovsparkthenextcoronaviruspandemicaonehealthperspective |