A man visiting Orlando from Saudi Arabia has the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infection in Florida and is a patient at a local hospital.
According to officials of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, the man first flew to London and then through Boston and Atlanta, before arriving in Orlando on May 1. He was hospitalized on May 9 and was placed in isolation once MERS was suspected.
“The Florida Department of Health is working closely with hospital officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure appropriate care of the patient and protect the health of all residents and visitors in Florida,” said Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “There is no broad risk to the health of the general public.”
MERS-CoV, a relatively new viral respiratory illness, was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It’s symptoms are similar to flu – congestion, fever, pneumonia and possible death. There is no available vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.
Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said, all necessary steps are being taken to protect and inform the public.
“Our office has set up an information line to address any questions and we will continue to work closely with the hospital to ensure the safety of our community,” he said.
Added Antonio Crespo, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist and Chief Quality Officer at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital: “We are taking every precaution, but believe the risk of transmission from this patient is very low since his symptoms were mild and he was not coughing when he arrived at the hospital.”
