Coronavirus – Credit CDC PHIL
# 8641
Not surprisingly, the Illinois contact of the Indiana imported MERS case has tested negative again (presumably by PRC) for the MERS virus, indicating that he is no longer contagious.
This case had originally tested negative by PCR on May 5th, but displayed mild `cold-like’ symptoms post exposure, and tested positive for MERS antibodies on Friday (see CDC Telebriefing Transcript & Audio On Illinois MERS Case).
This patient had remained in self-isolation, even though he was not thought to be contagious, pending new test results.
Here is the press release from the Illinois Department of Health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2014
Illinois Department of Public Health Reports Negative Results for MERS-CoV
CHICAGO – Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck today announced the Illinois resident who previously tested positive for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) antibodies in his blood, has again tested negative for the ability to spread the virus.
“The second round of test results from oral and nasal swabs show the Illinois resident is not infectious,” said Dr. Hasbrouck. “What this means is, although the resident was infected at one time, if he sneezes or coughs, the virus is not in his nose or mouth and therefore cannot be spread to others. The risk of MERS-CoV to the general public remains very low. We will continue to follow-up with this individual.”
Health officials first tested this person using oral and nasal swabs for active MERS-CoV infection on May 5. Those test results were negative. On May 16, a blood test result was positive for the Illinois resident, showing that he had antibodies to MERS-CoV. Over the weekend, the resident was again tested using oral and nasal swabs and those have come back negative. Additional blood testing related to his positive MERS-CoV antibody test result is currently underway.
Health officials continue to follow-up with anyone who had close contact with the Illinois resident. Family members who had close contact with the Illinois resident have all tested negative, but will continue to be monitored.
The Illinois resident is considered to have had close contact with the first imported case in the United States, a Saudi Arabian resident who traveled to Indiana on April 24. All people considered to have had close contact with first case have been followed-up with and closely monitored.
“MERS-CoV is a relatively new virus and we still have much to learn about it, including how it is transmitted. The World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health departments and local health departments continue to investigate this virus as well as identify new cases around the world, conduct testing and implement infection control practices,” said Dr. Hasbrouck. “Additional cases are expected, but we are working diligently to eliminate the spread of this virus.”
(Continue . . .)
