Update: Severe respiratory illness associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)--worldwide, 2012-2013

Abstract

CDC continues to work in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to better understand the public health risk posed by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly known as novel coronavirus, which was first reported to cause human infection in September 2012. The continued reporting of new cases indicates that there is an ongoing risk for transmission to humans in the area of the Arabian Peninsula. New reports of cases outside the region raise concerns about importation to other geographic areas. Nosocomial outbreaks with transmission to health-care personnel highlight the importance of infection control procedures. Recent data suggest that mild respiratory illness might be part of the clinical spectrum of MERS-CoV infection, and presentations might not initially include respiratory symptoms. In addition, patients with comorbidities or immunosuppression might be at increased risk for infection, severe disease, or both. Importantly, the incubation period might be longer than previously estimated. Finally, lower respiratory tract specimens (e.g., sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial wash, or tracheal aspirate) should be collected in addition to nasopharyngeal sampling for evaluation of patients under investigation. An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) was recently issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow for expanded availability of diagnostic testing in the United States.

FIGURE 1

Number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (N = 55) reported as of June 7, 2013, to the World Health Organization, by month of illness onset — worldwide, 2012–2013 ^* Case count for March assumes that the two cases included in the March 23, 2013 WHO announcement had symptom onset during March 2013. ^†Case count for May 2013 assumes that six recently reported cases had symptom onset during May 2013.

FIGURE 2

Confirmed cases^* of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (N =55) reported as of June 7, 2013, to the World Health Organization, and history of travel from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries within 14 days of illness onset — worldwide, 2012–2013 ^* Dots representing the cases are not geographically representative of the exact location of the residence of the patient.