L.A. County Officials Raise Alert About MERS

After CDC officials on Monday confirmed the second case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome -- or MERS -- in the U.S., the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned local hospitals and infectious disease experts to be alert for symptoms of the disease. Such symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Officials said providers should make particular note of patients who have recently traveled to the Arabian Peninsula.

• "L.A. County Prepared for Threat of MERS" (Plevin, "KPCC News," KPCC, 5/12).