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EXECUTIVEDuPont Technical Bulletin On
Coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS
What are coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to
more severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS). The SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was recognized in China as early as
November 2002. The 2019 disease outbreak in China has been attributed to a coronavirus referred to as
2019-nCoV.
Coronaviruses affect the respiratory system, typically resulting in severe acute respiratory illness dis-
playing symptoms of fever, malaise, cough, and shortness of breath. About 30%-40% of patients re-
ported with MERS have died during previous outbreaks of the disease1.
Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment is available to prevent or cure coronavirus infections. Treat-
ment for infected individuals is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition.
How is MERS spread?
Animals, including camels, cats, and bats, are suspected to be reservoir hosts for coronaviruses and
sources of coronavirus infections in humans; however, the exact role of animal transmission of these
viruses to humans and the exact route(s) of transmission are unknown.
The majority of human cases of coronavirus illness have been attributed to human-to-human infections.
Coronaviruses are believed to spread from an infected person’s respiratory secretions, although the
specific ways the virus spreads are not currently well understood. These viruses spread from sick people
to others through close contact, such as unprotected caring for or living with an infected person. Infected
people also are known to have spread coronaviruses to others in healthcare settings.
Who needs to be protected?
As a general precaution, individuals visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are
present should practice general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching
animals. Additionally, contact with sick animals should be avoided.
Based on experience with SARS and MERS outbreaks, transmission of coronaviruses has occurred in
healthcare facilities in the United States and other countries, including from patients to healthcare provid-
ers and between patients in a healthcare setting before the virus was diagnosed. The symptoms and other
clinical features of coronavirus illness are non-specific, making it difficult to identify infected patients
early or without testing. Infection prevention and control measures are critical to prevent the spread of
coronavirus illness in healthcare facilities or other workplaces, such as airports, where infected, but
undetected, people may be present. Healthcare and other at-risk workers should be educated and trained
in infection prevention and control and be diligent in practicing these safety measures.
What protective apparel is available?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) provide direction on infec-
tion prevention and control procedures related to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and other coronaviruses. Both
provide guidance to healthcare professionals for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for
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