MERS in the Arabian Peninsula
| Warning - Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel |
| Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions |
| Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions |
Updated: May 19, 2014
What is the Current Situation?
Cases of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) have been identified in multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula. There have also been cases in several other countries in travelers who have been to the Arabian Peninsula and, in some instances, their close contacts. Two cases have been confirmed in two health care workers living in Saudi Arabia who were visiting the United States. For more information, see CDC’s MERS website.
If you are traveling to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula,* CDC recommends that you pay attention to your health during and after your trip. You should call a doctor right away if you develop fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. Tell the doctor about your recent travel.
CDC does not recommend that travelers change their plans because of MERS. Most instances of person-to-person spread have occurred in health care workers and other close contacts (such as family members and caregivers) of people sick with MERS. If you are concerned about MERS, you should discuss your travel plans with your doctor.