What is MERS?
MERS is a respiratory illness caused by MERS coronavirus, or MERS-CoV. Symptoms can be severe. One third of people with reported infections died from the disease. Most who died had underlying medical conditions, but the disease can affect anyone.
The disease originated near Saudi Arabia in 2012. Only two cases have been confirmed in the U.S.–both travel related.
Report suspected cases of MERS immediately.
We recommend implementing airborne, contact and standard infection control precautions if MERS is suspected.
Providers and facilities should report potential cases immediately. The health department will coordinate testing of the person under investigation (PUI) and their contacts with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To report, visit our Report Notifiable Conditions page, or call (253) 649-1412.
Case Definition:
- Fever (≥ 38°C , 100.4°F) and pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome; AND either
- Travel from the Arabian Peninsula within 14 days of symptom onset, or
- Close contact with a symptomatic traveler who developed fever and acute respiratory illness within 14 days of travel in or near the Arabian Peninsula.