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MERS-CoV: CDC issues updated infection control guidance for hospitals
CDC has issued updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This updated guidance continues to recommend standard, contact, and airborne precautions (see the Guideline for Isolation Precautions for explanation of these terms). In addition, the updated infection control guidance emphasizes additional elements of infection prevention and control programs that should be in place to prevent the transmission of any infectious agents including respiratory pathogens such as MERS-CoV in healthcare settings. The updated guidance is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/infection-prevention-control.html. Since May 2015, the Republic of Korea has been investigating an outbreak of MERS. It is the largest known outbreak of MERS outside the Arabian Peninsula. Only two patients in the U.S. have ever tested positive for MERS-CoV infection, both in May 2014, while more than 500 have tested negative. CDC continues to closely monitor the MERS situation globally and work with partners to better understand the risks of this virus, including the source, how it spreads, and how infections might be prevented. CDC recognizes the potential for MERS-CoV to spread further and cause more cases globally and in the U.S. We have provided information for travelers and are working with health departments, hospitals, and other partners to prepare for this. Stay up-to-date on the situation by visiting the MERS home page: http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/index.html.
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