FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary G. McIntyre, M.D., M.P.H., (334) 206-5325
The Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories obtained negative results on follow-up tests for a patient in Alabama who had been tested for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).
The individual presented to a hospital in the state on Aug. 13 with respiratory problems. Because of a history of having recently returned from Saudi Arabia, the patient was placed in negative-pressure isolation and a decision was made to perform a respiratory panel of tests. Initial and secondary tests were negative for MERS.
Contacts of this individual have been informed they can discontinue monitoring and selfisolation as a result of these tests.
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8/18/15