Laboratory Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, California, USA, 2013–2014

Abstract

Since Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first emerged, the California Department of Public Health has coordinated efforts to identify possible cases in travelers to California, USA, from affected areas. During 2013–2014, the department investigated 54 travelers for MERS-CoV; none tested positive, but 32 (62%) of 52 travelers with suspected MERS-CoV had other respiratory viruses.

Keywords

• MERS
• MERS-CoV
• MERS coronavirus
• Middle East respiratory syndrome
• novel coronavirus
• California