2002-2021SARS and MERS

History of SARS/MERS: Outbreaks and vaccine timeline

Learn about SARS, MERS and vaccine research.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)

SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes SARS

2002-2003

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes SARS, is found in China. From late 2002 to late 2003, it causes about 8,000 illnesses and 700 deaths. It spreads to 29 countries and then it disappears. Researchers continue to study and develop vaccines for SARS-CoV.

2012

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which causes MERS, is found in Saudi Arabia. It has caused about 2,500 cases and 800 deaths. Many researchers continue to study and develop vaccines for MERS-CoV.

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