First case of infection reported in Indiana

The Centers for Disease Control reported the first case of the sometimes deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Indiana.

The patient, a health care provider who was working in Saudi Arabia, traveled from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to London, and then from London to Chicago April 24. The patient took a bus from Chicago to Indiana.

The patient began showing symptoms April 27, including shortness of breath, coughing and fever. The patient was admitted to an Indiana hospital April 28.

The CDC confirmed MERS-CoV infection the afternoon of May 2. At that time, the patient was isolated and in stable condition, but required oxygen.

“We’ve anticipated MERS reaching the U.S., and we’ve prepared for and are taking swift action,” CDC Director Tom Frieden said in a press release. “We’re doing everything possible with hospital, local and state health officials to find people who may have had contact with this person so they can be evaluated as appropriate."

Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC’s National Center for
Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, said there is no evidence suggesting the virus will spread in community settings. The virus typically spreads from person to person through close contact.

“It is understandable that some may be concerned about this situation, but this first U.S. case of MERS-CoV infection represents a very low risk to the general public,” Schuchat said in the CDC release.

Of the 401 confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection in 12 countries, 93 were reported dead. All reported cases originated in the Arabian Peninsula, according to the CDC release.

At the moment, there is no vaccine or recommended treatment for the virus.

The CDC is unsure of how the patient was infected. Schuchat said in a statement to the press the public should not be surprised if more cases are reported in healthcare providers who interacted with the patient before the patient was isolated.

“This situation is very fluid,” Schuchat said. “We expect to learn much more in the coming days.”

M.K. Wildeman