CDC Infection Control Recommendations for SARS and Coronavirus – Also: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, or MERS-CoV

CIRI Update: The new Coronavirus now has a name – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, or MERS-CoV.  Apparently, 44 people have died as of May 29, 2013, although it is not clear how it is transmitted.  For more information:

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ncv/case-def.html

Handwashing is strongly encouraged

CIRI Note – Although there have been no SARS cases since 2004, this CDC info is helpful in addressing related outbreaks, and timely because the World Health Organization (WHO) reports a new Coronavirus (in the SARS family) has killed at least 18 people, and person to person transmission is probable after prolonged contact. See Reuters – May 12, 2013.

CDC issued a supplement that outlines the infection control recommendations for prevention of SARS-Coronavirus (CoV) transmission in healthcare, household, and community settings. During the 2003 global epidemic, SARS-Coronavirus caused unprecedented levels of morbidity and mortality among healthcare personnel and disrupted healthcare delivery systems, leading in some instances to closure of hospitals. Rapid implementation and adherence to infection control measures proved essential for controlling transmission in healthcare settings. To assist healthcare facilities in controlling SARS-CoV transmission, CDC issued several infection control guidance documents that evolved with improved understanding of the virus and its modes of transmission. This Supplement consolidates, updates, and replaces the previous guidelines and provides new information to guide infection control practices for prevention of SARS-CoV transmission.

See:

http://www.cdc.gov/sars/guidance/I-infection/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/sars/guidance/I-infection/healthcare.html#cleaning
http://www.cdc.gov/sars/infection/

See also SARS.