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With the discovery this week of the first imported case of MERS into the United States (see CDC Briefing On MERS In US: Audio & Transcript), the CDC has updated their travel advice to the Middle East, and are advising international travelers to observe and practice enhanced precautions when in the region.
An `Alert’ is a second tier notice, above `Watch’ but below `Warning’. Travel notices are published the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Website.
The CDC considers countries in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding areas to include: Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen.
Updated: May 02, 2014
What is the Current Situation?
Cases of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) have been identified in multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula. There have also been cases in several other countries in travelers who have been to the Arabian Peninsula and, in some instances, their close contacts. One case has been confirmed in the United States in a traveler who had recently been to Saudi Arabia. For more information, see CDC’s MERS website.
If you are traveling to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula,* CDC recommends that you pay attention to your health during and after your trip. You should see a doctor right away if you develop fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. Tell the doctor about your recent travel.
CDC does not recommend that travelers change their plans because of MERS. Most instances of person-to-person spread have occurred in health care workers and other close contacts (such as family members and caregivers) of people sick with MERS. If you are concerned about MERS, you should discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
Special advice for people traveling to the Arabian Peninsula to work in health care settings
If you are traveling to provide health care services in the Arabian Peninsula, please review CDC’s recommendations for infection control of confirmed or suspected MERS cases. CDC recommends that you practice these precautions and monitor your health closely.
What is MERS?
MERS is caused by a coronavirus known as MERS-CoV; coronaviruses cause a variety of illnesses, from the common cold to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which caused a global epidemic in 2003. MERS-CoV is different from any other coronavirus that has been previously found in people. Symptoms of MERS have included fever, cough, and shortness of breath. CDC is working with the World Health Organization and other partners to understand the public health risks from this virus.
What can travelers do to prevent MERS?
People traveling to provide health care services in the Arabian Peninsula should review CDC’s recommendations for infection control of confirmed or suspected MERS cases.
All travelers can take these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs and protect against colds, flu, and other illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Be sure you are up-to-date with all of your shots, and if possible, see your health care provider at least 4–6 weeks before travel to get any additional shots.
- Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website for more information on healthy travel.
- If you are sick:
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid contact with other people to keep from infecting them.
- See a doctor if you develop a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula.* You should tell the doctor about your recent travel.
This advisory also contains information for clinicians who may encounter patients with respiratory symptoms with a travel history (within 14 days) from the Arabian peninsula, and an assortment of useful links.
