Two healthcare workers who came in contact with the confirmed Florida MERS patient have developed flu-like symptoms and were told to stay home for two weeks, according to a CNN report.
The confirmed MERS patient is currently being treated at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando. The patient spent at least four hours in the public waiting room before being seen by a physician, and then waited nearly eight hours before being placed in isolation, according to a Reuters report.
The patient was treated in a single room before being admitted. Healthcare workers wore gloves and gowns but did not wear goggles and face masks, according to the report.
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has changed emergency department procedures so any patient coming in with flu-like symptoms will be asked if they have traveled to Saudi Arabia or other countries experiencing MERS outbreaks, according to the Reuters report.
Additionally, prior to be admitted at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, the patient had visited Orlando Regional Medical Center on May 5 to accompany another person having a medical procedure, according to the CNN report.
Five healthcare providers at Orlando Regional Medical Center and 15 at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital (including the two mentioned above) have been identified as at risk for infection and tested for MERS, according to the CNN report.
More Articles on Infection Control:
Antibiotic Resistance Initiative Requests $30M in Federal Budget
Humans and Pets Harbor Same MRSA Strains
Top 10 Stories on Infection Control & Clinical Quality: May 5-9