CDC: No evidence of MERS in close contacts of US cases

The two imported cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, coronavirus in the United States have not spread the virus to their household members or to health care workers, the CDC has confirmed.

The CDC tested specimens from close contacts of the two US cases and found that all household members and health care workers who interacted with the cases were negative for both active and previous infection with MERS.

“The negative results among the contacts that CDC considered at highest risk for MERS coronavirus infection are reassuring,” David Swerdlow, MD, who is leading the CDC’s MERS coronavirus response, said in a press release. “Today, the risk of MERS coronavirus infection in the United States remains low, but it is important that we remain vigilant and quickly identify and respond to any additional importations.”

The two MERS cases in the United States were among health care providers who lived and worked in Saudi Arabia. One case was in Indiana and the other was in Florida, and the cases are unlinked. In addition to testing the household and health care contacts, health officials have contacted almost all people who traveled on airplanes or buses with the patients. None of those tested have had evidence of MERS infection. Investigations are ongoing.