Reports of new cases of the novel SARS-like coronavirus, now known as MERS-CoV, indicate continued risk for transmission in the Arabian Peninsula, according to an update from MMWR.

To date, MERS-CoV has been confirmed in 55 people, 31 of whom have died. All cases have been linked to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, or the United Arab Emirates. Infections among close contacts of cases, including healthcare personnel and family members, “provide clear evidence of human-to-human transmission,” MMWR says.

The CDC recommends that MERS-CoV be considered in people who develop severe acute lower respiratory illness within 14 days of traveling from the Arabian Peninsula or nearby areas. The virus should also be considered for close contacts of symptomatic travelers. To improve detection, specimens should be taken from multiple locations (for example, the nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract); the CDC is performing testing.

Source: MMWR