The following information is taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:
- A novel coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV) was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
- Daily updates can be found here.
- Guidance (infection control, etc.) can be found here.
- The disease is of concern because:
– MERS-CoV is different from any other coronavirus that has been previously found in people.
– Most people who have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection develop severe acute respiratory illness. They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About 30% of these people have died.
– This is a novel virus and therefore has the potential to cause a pandemic if it were to change to become easily and sustainably spread from person-to-person.
– So far, this virus has not been determined to have that capability. However, coronaviruses constantly change and it’s possible that this virus could gain that ability. - If you travel to the Arabian Peninsula:
– CDC does not currently recommend that anyone change their travel plans because of these cases of MERS.
– CDC recommends that US travelers to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula monitor their health and see a doctor right away if they develop fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath. They should tell the doctor about their recent travel.
– The CDC Travel Guidance can be found here.
St. Olaf College will continue to monitor this situation and take appropriate steps (if ever necessary) to ensure the safety of our students, employees, and visitors.