Spotlight on the CDC as Deadly Virus Emerges in U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed a second case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus on U.S. soil. Americans have turned once again to the agency to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

The MERS virus, named for its original emergence in several Middle Eastern countries, was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS is characterized by fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, similar to typical symptoms of pneumonia. Respiratory failure, organ failure, and/or septic shock have contributed to the deaths of victims. People with weakened immune systems, including the elderly and those with chronic diseases, as well as hospital workers – who more frequently come into close contact with patients – are especially vulnerable. There have been a total of 538 confirmed cases of the virus worldwide, and 27 percent of those cases have been fatal.

The CDC has released test kits to hospitals, set up quarantine stations at major U.S. airports, and implemented other infection control standards. But this isn’t the first time the CDC has been called into action to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.

The CDC was founded in 1946 in order to fight and prevent malaria, which was a serious problem at the time, including at southern military bases. The agency played a significant role in the eradication of malaria in the United States by 1951. Over the years, the CDC has also worked to ensure that American children have access to life-saving vaccines, fought to eradicate polio, and researched and pushed to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

As Americans keep an eye on the number of MERS cases in the U.S., they can rest assured that the CDC will be offering its expertise to save lives and prevent the spread of the disease. Congress needs to continue to prioritize CDC funding and ensure that the agency can keep protecting the American people from existing and emerging health threats.

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Scary stuff!