3. Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
What it is:Â MERS-CoVÂ is a viral respiratory illness that was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to several other countries. Most people who contracted the virus presented with respiratory symptoms, and about three to four out of every 10 people infected died, according to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).
How is it contracted? It is a virus that can be transmitted from the dromedary camel to humans, but can be further transmitted through bodily fluids.
Signs and symptoms: According to the CDC, the incubation period can be anything from two to 24 days, with an average of five days. Symptoms start with a fever, cough, chills and headaches but can also include nausea, abdominal pains, dizziness and a sore throat.
When and where: The latest outbreak was reported by the WHO in October 2017 in Saudi Arabia. Another recent outbreak occurred in August 2017 in the United Arab Emirates.