Officials from the Florida Department of Health today announced all health care workers who have had contact with a patient diagnosed with the emerging Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have tested negative for the coronavirus-associated illness.
The patient, a healthcare worker from Saudia Arabia visiting relatives in Orlando, was confirmed May 11, 2014 by the CDC as the second imported case of MERS in the United States.
“The Florida Department of Health continues to work closely with Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure appropriate care of the patient, and to protect the health of all residents and visitors in Florida,” stated officials. “Surveillance, contact investigation and testing continue, following standard public health protocols.”
On May 2, 2014 the first confirmed MERS case in the United States was diagnosed in Indiana. The patient had also been a healthcare worker traveling to the United States from Saudi Arabia.