Illinois Department of Public Health
Reactivates Hotline for MERS-CoV Questions
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[May 20, 2014]
CHICAGO – Today, the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced additional
information regarding the ongoing investigation of the first imported
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) case reported
in the United States. An Illinois resident considered to have had close
contact with the first case has one positive test result (antibody test)
indicating past infection with MERS-CoV after exposure. Additional
testing is being conducted to determine if that individual is infectious
at this time. The Illinois resident did not seek or require medical
care. However, local health officials have monitored his health daily
since May 3 as part of the investigation. At this time, the Illinois
resident is reported to be feeling well. Family members who had close
contact with this individual are also being closely monitored and
tested.
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“The risk to the general public still remains low,”
said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar
Hasbrouck. “It was out of an abundance of caution that we conducted
rigorous follow-up with this individual and have identified this
person to have been infected with MERS-CoV at one time. Previous
MERS-CoV illnesses have not shown to be spread easily from
person-to-person in communities. The Illinois Department of Public
Health (IDPH), working with our local health departments, will
remain vigilant for any new MERS-CoV infections and we are prepared
with surveillance, guidance and testing to handle any additional
infections.”
Public health officials are collecting blood samples from people who
were identified as close contacts of the Indiana patient. The
Illinois resident met with the Indiana patient on two occasions
shortly before the patient was identified as having MERS-CoV
infection. As part of the MERS_CoV follow-up investigation, the
local health department in Illinois contacted the Illinois resident
on May 3. The health department first tested this person for active
MERS-CoV infection on May 5. Those test results were negative. On
May 16, the test result was positive for the Illinois resident,
showing that he has antibodies to MERS-CoV. Additional testing
currently underway will determine if this person is infectious and
can spread MERS-CoV.
IDPH has reactivated the expert medical staff at Illinois Poison
Center to operate the MERS-CoV hotline. Illinois residents and
medical professionals who have concerns or questions should call
1-844 565-0256.
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As with other respiratory illnesses, IDPH recommends people
take everyday preventive actions like washing their hands often;
avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands; avoiding
contact with people who appear sick; and disinfecting frequently
touched surfaces.
For more information about the infected individual and the two
confirmed MERS-CoV cases in the U.S., visit
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/index.html General
information about MERS-CoV can be found on the IDPH website,
including Frequently Asked Questions.
[Text received; MELANEY ARNOLD,
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH]
IDPH continues to implement its
Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH’s effectiveness,
influence and value for promoting wellness, health equity, safety
and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan priorities include
developing and expanding partnerships; improving data utilization;
reducing health disparities; improving regulatory compliance; and
branding, marketing and communicating IDPH’s value. |