MERS Ecology Research (IMAGE) University of Georgia Caption A false color image of MERS coronavirus particles in the endoplasmic reticulum of an infected cell. Middle East respiratory syndrome is a viral illness first observed in humans in 2012. Credit UGA Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.