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KCDC Central IMS Interim Report on MERS Response
  • Date2018-09-15 09:17
  • Update2019-11-18 19:55
  • DivisionCentral Incident Management System
  • Tel043-719-9061
KCDC Central IMS Interim Report on MERS Response

- First test results return negative for all close contacts, All contacts being managed closely to prevent further spread -

◇ The first test results of all 21 close contacts of the confirmed MERS case were negative; all close contacts will under go testing a second time on Sept. 20
◇ Although the risk of further spread is low, MERS prevention and control measures will continue until the end of the incubation period (Sept. 22, 00:00)
◇ Contacts are asked to continue cooperating with officials and to contact the KCDC 1339 Call Center or their local public health center if they experience any suspected symptoms. Healthcare facilities are asked to check the DUR when managing patients and follow isolation guidelines as necessary.

□ Preceding its interim report on current MERS response measures, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) Central Incident Management System (IMS) expresses its appreciation to the 21 close contacts under isolation, the 427 casual contacts (as of Sept. 13, 18:00), and the general public for their ongoing cooperation in prevention and control measures.


□ KCDC Central IMS Interim Report on MERS Response

○ (Confirmed Case) The confirmed case (confirmed on Sept. 8) is currently being treated in a negative pressure isolation ward at Seoul National University Hospital and is in stable condition.

○ (Close Contacts) All 21 close contacts tested negative for MERS on Sept. 13, which marked the average incubation period (6 days) following suspected contact.
- This first test was conducted as part of the monitoring process to provide psychological support to close contacts concerned about their infection status. A second test will be conducted on Sept. 20, two days prior to the end of the incubation period. These contacts will be released from isolation if the second test results return negative.
* Second test on Sept. 20 → Results analyzed on Sept. 21; if results return negative → Released from isolation on Sept. 22, 00:00

○ All 11 contacts of the confirmed case who were classified as suspected cases tested negative for MERS.
* 11 Suspected cases : 1 close contact, 10 casual contacts

○ (Epidemiological Investigation) KCDC worked closely with the Seoul Metropolitan Government in conducting epidemiological investigation to identify possible routes of infection and to conduct contact tracing through direct questioning, CCTV analysis, airline passenger information, and card transaction histories.
- A team of 2 KCDC staff and one expert from the private sector was dispatched to Kuwait on Sept. 9 to confirm the health status and management of Korean contacts in Kuwait and to gather on-site epidemiological information.
- Current information suggests that the confirmed case’s source of infection was not of domestic origin. Currently, KCDC is collaborating with the government of Kuwait and the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine the exact source and route of infection.

○ (Risk of Further Spread) Taking into consideration the management of contacts and the clinical condition of the confirmed patient, KCDC determined that the risk of further spread of MERS is low. Regardless, prevention and control efforts will be maintained until the end of the incubation period.
- The confirmed case is being treated in a negative pressure isolated ward and is in stable condition. Healthcare workers are protected from any exposure.
- While being transported to the hospital, the confirmed case only had contact with a limited number of individuals, and first test results for all close contacts returned negative. All 11 suspected cases were also tested negative for MERS.
* (2015 MERS Outbreak) The majority of infections (92.5%) occurred in hospital settings (patient wards, emergency rooms) from patients with respiratory symptoms who infected others

□ In response to the confirmed case on Sept. 8, central and local government agencies initiated collaborative measures to prevent the additional spread of MERS.

○ (Response Measures) On Sept. 8, KCDC raised the infectious disease alert level from BLUE to YELLOW and established a Central IMS.
- KCDC and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) established the MERS Management System (Sept. 8), the MERS Response Team (Sept. 9), and collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the local governments of all 17 provinces to prevent the additional spread of MERS.
* The Prime Minister held a meeting on Sept. 9 to call for active collaboration across relevant government sectors
- The Infectious Disease Risk Management Committee meeting (Sept. 11 and 14), a meeting of MERS experts (Sept. 11 and 14), and a MERS response meeting for healthcare professionals (Sept. 10, with the Korean Medical Association, Korean Hospital Association, Korean Nurses Association, Korean Pharmaceutical Association) were held among infectious disease and epidemiology experts to discuss infectious disease prevention, control, and response measures and to strengthen collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.
- KCDC is collaborating with WHO to share contact information and updates on domestic response measures with Kuwait and other countries to prevent and control further spread of MERS at the international level.

○ (Contacts Isolation) As of Sept. 13, KCDC, MOIS, and local governments are jointly conducting daily monitoring of 21 close contacts and 427 casual contacts.
- Close contacts are isolated either at home or at designated facilities and are undergoing active surveillance. Representatives from local public health centers are assigned 1:1 to isolated close contacts and contact them twice a day (morning and night) by phone throughout the incubation period (14 days) to check for any MERS-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).
- Casual contacts are undergoing active monitoring. Representatives from local governments contact them once a day by phone throughout the incubation period (14 days) to check for any MERS-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.)
- If contacts meet the conditions of suspected MERS-like symptoms, they are transferred to nationally designated negative pressure isolation beds and undergo testing, if necessary.

○ (Medical Resources) 196 nationally designated negative pressure isolation beds (158 wards) in 28 hospitals around the country are currently being operated for isolated treatment of additional cases, if necessary.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE; protective clothing sets, N95 masks, etc.) has been provided to local governments, healthcare facilities, and other relevant agencies as part of measures to prevent additional spread of MERS.
○ (Quarantine Management) Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 0404 Call Center, travelers to the Middle East receive text messages with information on preventing MERS infection.
- Upon arriving in ROK after visiting the Middle East, travelers submit their completed health questionnaires and undergo 1:1 internal body temperature checks.
- For early detection of suspected MERS cases, travelers entering from the Middle East receive text messages (4 times) through the Quarantine Information System after arriving, advising them to report any suspected symptoms should they occur during the incubation period. Also, the travel histories of recent travelers to the Middle East are shared* with healthcare facilities for accurate diagnosis.
* Travel information is provided using the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service Drug Utilization Review (DUR) and the International Traveler Information System (ITS)

□ KCDC is collaborating closely with local government agencies in contact tracing and management to prevent the additional spread of MERS.

○ KCDC would like to express its appreciation to the close and casual contacts of the confirmed case for their active cooperation. During the remaining duration of the incubation period, contacts are asked to continue cooperating with monitoring procedures. Individuals who experience any MERS-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) are advised not to visit hospitals directly*; instead, they should report their symptoms to the KCDC 1339 Call Center or their local public health center and follow their instructions.
* There is a risk of infecting other individuals by visiting hospitals and emergency rooms.

○ Healthcare providers are advised to check the travel history of incoming patients with respiratory symptoms to see if they have recently traveled to the Middle East. The travel history of Korean nationals can be checked through the Drug Usage Review (DUR) system, while that of foreign nationals can be checked through direct questioning. Healthcare providers should report any patients suspected of MERS-CoV infection to local public health centers or call the KCDC Call Center at 1339.

○ When visiting the Middle East, individuals are advised to maintain proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, and to avoid visits to local farms, contact with camels, consumption of raw camel meat or camel milk, and unnecessary visits to local medical facilities.
- Individuals are asked to cooperate with quarantine procedures, such as honestly completing health status questionnaires at the time of entry.
* (2018 MERS Cases) 114 cases in Saudi Arabia (30 deaths), 1 in Oman, 1 in UAE (as of Sept. 8)
* (Domestic Suspected Case Reports) 200 cases in 2016, 220 in 2017, 205 in 2018 (as of Sept. 13)

* Additional information on the current situation will be provided upon further epidemiological investigation to ensure rapid, accurate, and transparent communication with the public.
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