Healthcare Provider Preparedness Checklist for MERS-CoV

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Front-line healthcare providers in the United States should be prepared to evaluate patients for new and emerging infectious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The following checklist highlights key steps for healthcare providers to take in preparation for transport and arrival of patients potentially infected with MERS-CoV.

• Stay up to date on the latest information about signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and case definitions for MERS-CoV disease
• Review your infection control policies and CDC infection control recommendations for MERS-CoV for:
  • Assessment and triage of acute respiratory infection patients
  • Patient placement
  • Visitor management and exclusion
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare personnel
  • Source control measures for patients (e.g., put facemask on suspect patients)
  • Requirements for performing aerosol generating procedures
• Be alert for patients who meet the MERS-CoV case definition
• Promptly implement source control for potential MERS-CoV patients before transport or upon entry to the facility and triage according to facility plans (e.g., place in private room) for evaluation
• Know how to report a potential MERS-CoV case or exposure to facility infection control leads and public health officials
• Know who, when, and how to notify and when to seek evaluation by occupational health following an unprotected exposure (i.e., not wearing recommended PPE) to a suspected or confirmed MERS-CoV patient
• Know how to contact and receive information from your state or local public health agency