FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2014

Contact: DOH—Orange Communications
(407) 858-1429 or (407) 858-1418

Orlando Health—Katie Dagenais
(407) 242-0305

TALLAHASSEE—The first patient in Florida with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection has been discharged from the hospital in Orange County. The patient has now tested negative for MERS-CoV and has recovered from the virus. All health care workers and household contacts who had contact with the patient were tested for MERS-CoV and all of those results have come back negative. There is no broad risk of MERS-CoV infection for the general public, and no threat to those traveling to the Orlando area.

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 follow up, and to protect the health of all residents and visitors in Florida. Surveillance, contact investigation and testing continue, following standard public health protocols.

The information line for the public at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is 407-858-1490. Information from the CDC for the public is available by calling 800-232-4636.

For more information, please visit DOH’s Online Newsroom or view the following resources:

• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Fact Sheet (DOH): MERS-CoV – Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked MERS Questions and Answers (DOH): MERS-CoV – FAQ
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome information (DOH)
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.