By Healthcare Facilities Today

In preparation for future cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released recommendations for patient evaluation, case definitions, home care, travel, and infection control, according to an article on MedScape.com.

The guidance and a summary of worldwide epidemiologic information were published in the September 26 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Testing for MERS-CoV and other respiratory pathogens can be conducted simultaneously. Confirmation of another respiratory pathogen should not necessarily preclude testing for MERS-CoV in patients who develop fever and pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) within 14 days after traveling from the Arabian Peninsula or nearby, or after close contact with a recent traveler from this area who has fever and ARDS.

CDC has issued infection control checklists highlighting key actions for healthcare providers and facilities to prepare for patients with MERS-CoV. For hospitalized patients with known or suspected MERS-CoV infection, standard, contact, and airborne precautions are recommended.

"Although most reported cases involved severe respiratory illness requiring hospitalization, at least 27 (21%) involved mild or no symptoms," according to the report.

"Despite evidence of person-to-person transmission, the number of contacts infected by persons with confirmed infections appears to be limited. No cases have been reported in the United States, although 82 persons from 29 states have been tested for MERS-CoV infection," the report said.

Read the article.