Disease Information
In 2012, a severe illness that can cause fever, lung infections (pneumonia), kidney damage, and death was first identified in persons living on the Arabian Peninsula. It is caused by a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses typically cause mild upper respiratory infection like a cold. A coronavirus, however, was responsible for SARS, an illness that killed 800 people in Hong Kong, Southeastern China, and the Toronto area back in 2003. The virus is called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus or "MERS-CoV."
Quick Facts
- Most persons who have become ill with MERS had either been on the Arabian Peninsula within 14 days of becoming ill, or had been in direct, close contact with a person, ill with the disease, who had been there.
- In May 2015, illnesses with MERS were noted in people who had visited healthcare facilities in the Republic of Korea. These were traced to a man, ill with MERS, who had recently traveled from the Arabian Peninsula. The outbreak in Korea has since resolved.
- Cases with exposure in the Arabian Peninsula have been reported in the U.S. Get the latest MERS information from the CDC.
While cases of MERS-CoV in the U.S. represent a very low risk to the public, experts are still learning about how this virus is spread. CDC advises people to protect themselves from MERS and other respiratory illnesses by washing hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disease Reporting
Healthcare providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report suspect cases of MERS-CoV to local health departments immediately, day or night. If you cannot reach your local health department, call 971-673-1111 to reach the state health department doctor on call.
For Healthcare Providers
For Local Health Departments
See Also