News outlets report on growing concern over the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

Associated Press: Saudi Arabia reports 5 new deaths from MERS
“Saudi health authorities reported another five deaths Tuesday from a potentially fatal Middle Eastern respiratory virus that has sickened hundreds in the kingdom…” (5/13).

The Hill: Carney confirms Obama ‘has been briefed’ on MERS outbreak
“President Obama has been briefed about the outbreak of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the White House said Tuesday, one day after a Florida health worker became the second confirmed case within the United States…” (Sink, 5/13).

Reuters: Two U.S. health workers ill after MERS exposure; World Health Organization meets
“Two health workers at a Florida hospital exposed to a patient with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome have begun showing flu-like symptoms, raising concerns about the ability of global health authorities to contain the mysterious and deadly virus…” (Steenhuysen/Liston, 5/14).

Reuters: Florida MERS patient sat in busy ER for hours
“The second U.S. patient to be diagnosed with the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) spent at least four hours in the public waiting room of a busy Florida emergency department before he was seen by a doctor, a hospital official said…” (Liston, 5/14).

Reuters: WHO holds emergency meeting on deadly Saudi MERS virus
“Health and infectious disease experts met at the World Health Organization on Tuesday to discuss whether a deadly virus that emerged in the Middle East in 2012 now constitutes a ‘public health emergency of international concern’…” (Kelland, 5/13).