CDC Updates MERS-CoV Interim Guidance

Following report of the second case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on May 15, 2014. Although the recommendations focus on the hospital setting, those for personal protective equipment, source control (i.e., placing a face mask on potentially infected individuals outside an airborne infection isolation room), and environmental infection control measures are applicable to any healthcare setting. The update has added new information regarding the length of time infection control precautions should be followed, management of sick healthcare personnel, considerations for visitors, and hand hygiene.