In 2012, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was identified in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and the importance of hospital infection control. MERS, caused by a coronavirus, raised global health concerns due to its potential for outbreaks and transmission. The emergence of MERS underscored the need for vigilance in monitoring infectious diseases and implementing effective public health measures.

The emergence of the MERS coronavirus in 2012 contributed to a growing body of speculative poetry that examined themes of viral globalization and preparedness, with poets reflecting on the fragility of human existence in a connected world. This context prompted a rethinking of health and community in contemporary verse.