Novel Coronavirus Recently Detected

A novel coronavirus was identified as the cause of severe respiratory illness in two adults from the Middle East in June and September 2012. It is different from other coronaviruses previously found in people. Also, the novel coronavirus is different from the SARS coronavirus that made a lot of people sick in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, the novel coronavirus is most similar to those found in bats.
Only two people have been confirmed as having been infected with the novel coronavirus. The two infected adults, one from Saudi Arabia and one from Qatar, got sick three months apart. So, it is very unlikely that they spread the virus to each other. Also, the healthcare providers who had close contact with them have not gotten sick from the virus.
There are no reports of anyone in United States getting infected and sick with the novel coronavirus. Your risk of getting infected with this virus is very low.

What Are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are three main sub-groupings of coronaviruses, known as alpha, beta and gamma, and a fourth provisionally-assigned new group called delta coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their life. These viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
Coronaviruses may also infect many different animals and cause them to have respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver, and neurologic diseases. Most of these coronaviruses usually infect only one animal species or, at most, a small number of closely related species. However, SARS coronavirus can infect people and animals, including monkeys, Himalayan palm civets, raccoon dogs, cats, dogs, and rodents.

Global Partners Working to Understand Novel Coronavirus

WHO, CDC, and other partners are learning more about this novel coronavirus. Also, they are working to better understand the possible risks to the public’s health. For more information, see an article on Severe Respiratory Illness associated with a Novel Coronavirus – Saudi Arabia and Qatar, 2012.

No Travel Alerts for Saudi Arabia or Qatar

WHO and CDC have not issued any travel alerts for Saudi Arabia or Qatar at this time. So, you do not have to change your travel plans to these countries. Your risk of getting infected with the novel coronavirus while in the Middle East is low.
If you are going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (October 24-29, 2012), the travel requirements and recommendations have not changed. For more information, see Hajj Pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia.
Also, see the travel notice: Novel Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.