Perhaps seeking to short-circuit any possible damage to Orlando's important tourist trade, the Florida Department of Health issued a statement Wednesday about the possible threat of Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, in the state.
“There is no broad risk of MERS-CoV infection for the general public and there is no threat to those traveling to the Orlando area. MERS-CoV is not easily spread. The case in Orange County is contained.”
The release referred to the second confirmed U.S. case of MERS, a patient who is now in Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, part of Orlando Health.
“We want to assure the public that MERS-CoV in Florida is contained and there is no broad threat to the general public,” State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong said in the statement. “The patient is receiving effective and timely care and testing is ongoing to ensure that no additional individuals have the infection.”
The health department held a press briefing Wednesday afternoon, but it was closed to remotely based media. The statement was issued shortly before the press briefing began.
“As part of standard public health practices, the Florida Department of Health, in coordination with local and federal partners, continues its surveillance, contact investigation and testing. While testing is ongoing, the two healthcare workers who had close contact with the patient and showed symptoms have tested negative for MERS-CoV.”
Follow John N. Frank on Twitter: @MHJFrank
