Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has caused severe respiratory illness and death in several countries. All cases have been linked, through residence or travel, to countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula. Epidemiologic investigations have demonstrated that this virus can spread from person to person during close contact, such as within families and healthcare facilities. Investigations of the two imported cases of MERS in the US are ongoing. During this COCA Call, clinicians will learn about the latest situation, surveillance, travelers' health, and updates to CDC clinical guidance for testing, patient evaluation and infection control.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteer Rosalia Parada talks about using her job experience to aid her community during a TB investigation in our new blog post.

Added a new resource for lightning readiness information in Spanish.

Spring came in like a lion and brought with it unpredictable weather. From strong storms to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires, this spring has packed a punch. Because spring weather can be so unpredictable, it's a smart idea to be prepared now. Our new blog post has great tips for how you can be ready for spring weather.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a virus that has caused severe respiratory illness and death in the Middle East. Epidemiologic investigations have demonstrated that this virus spreads from person to person during close contact, such as within families and healthcare facilities. The first case of imported MERS-CoV was reported last week in the state of Indiana. Clinicians have a critical role in recognizing and managing suspected cases of MERS-CoV. During this COCA Call, CDC subject matter experts will discuss the epidemiology, clinical signs, and infection control recommendations for MERS-CoV.

Switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel in your home to the "off" position before starting a gasoline or diesel generator. This will prevent supplying electricity to outside power lines from your generator, and help protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.

Confirmed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Case in Indiana, 2014

The first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the United States, identified in a traveler, was reported to CDC by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) on May 1, 2014, and confirmed by CDC on May 2. The patient is in a hospital in Indiana after having flown from Saudi Arabia to Chicago via London. The purpose of this HAN is to alert clinicians, health officials, and others to increase their index of suspicion to consider MERS-CoV infection in travelers from the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries. Please disseminate this information to infectious disease specialists, intensive care physicians, primary care physicians, and infection preventionists, as well as to emergency departments and microbiology laboratories.

Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue, and charcoal grills outside and 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.

Added a new resource for landslides and mudslides preparedness information in Spanish.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for April 21, 2014

According to a poll done by Kelton Research in 2012, 9 out of 10 Americans expect a world disaster to occur in the next quarter century and 56% said they aren't prepared for it. Getting prepared can be as easy as putting a kit together, making a plan, and being informed. But it's also essential to know what type of emergencies are likely to occur in your area and during what time of the year. On Wednesday, participate in America's PrepareAthon, which highlights simple, specific steps individuals and organizations should take to increase their preparedness for a potential disaster.

Added a new collection of wildfires preparedness information in Spanish.

You could say that those of us who work in preparedness are a little obsessed with making sure we've got our emergency kits stocked and ready, our emergency plans up to date, and our neighbors are ready too. So we've got a few households in Georgia ready for a public health emergency (and a few others around the country - don't forget about friends and family!), but how do we get the country ready? How do we get the government and other response organizations prepared? Check out our new Public Health Matters blog about how CDC participates in national exercises to assess and improve our preparedness.

Pay attention to flood watches and warnings. Follow local safety instructions and take steps to protect you and your family.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for April 7, 2014

From May through July, people get tick bites and tickborne diseases more often than any other time of year in the United States. Tickborne diseases can cause symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Early recognition and treatment of tickborne diseases decreases the risk of serious complications. During this COCA call, CDC subject matter experts will describe the signs and symptoms, treatment, management, and prevention of tickborne diseases in the U.S., with an emphasis on Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Do you have flood insurance? Call an insurance agent to ask about flood insurance.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for March 24, 2014

Do you live in a tsunami warning zone? Learn how to prepare for tsunamis and help your community become TsunamiReady. Learn more during National Tsunami Awareness Week.