Updated information on the epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection and guidance for the public, clinicians, and public health authorities, 2012-2013

Abstract

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first reported to cause human infection in September 2012. In July 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations Emergency Committee determined that MERS-CoV did not meet criteria for a "public health emergency of international concern," but was nevertheless of "serious and great concern". This report summarizes epidemiologic information and provides updates to CDC guidance about patient evaluation, case definitions, travel, and infection control as of September 20, 2013.

FIGURE 1

Number of cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection (58 fatal and 72 nonfatal) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of September 20, 2013, by month of illness onset — worldwide, 2012–2013 * Case count for May assumes that three cases included in WHO announcements on May 22, May 23, and June 2, 2013, had symptom onset during May 2013. ^† Case count for June assumes that 22 cases included in WHO announcements on June 14, June 17, June 22, June 23, June 26, July 5, July 7, and July 11, 2013, had symptom onset during June 2013. ^§ Case count for July assumes that 10 cases included in WHO announcements on July 18, July 21, and August 1, 2013, had symptom onset during July 2013. ^¶ Case count for August assumes that 25 cases (two on August 28, one on August 29, two on August 30, and 16 on September 16) had symptom onset during August 2013.

FIGURE 2

Confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection (N = 130) reported to the World Health Organization as of September 20, 2013, and history of travel from in or near the Arabian Peninsula* within 14 days of illness onset — worldwide, 2012–2013 * Dots are not geographically representative of exact location of residences of persons with infection.