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Confirmed MERS Case Tested Negative(Sept.18,2018)
  • Date2018-09-19 09:19
  • Update2019-11-18 19:53
  • DivisionDivision of Public Health Preparedness and Response
  • Tel043-719-9061
MOHW & KCDC JOINT PRESS RELEASE Sept. 18, 2018
Confirmed MERS Case Tested Negative

- Two tests returned negative, Patient released from isolation ward -
Contact: Moon Sang-jun, Division of Public Health Preparedness and Response
(043-719-9061, untohim@korea.kr)

◇ The confirmed MERS patient underwent two rounds of confirmation testing after no longer showing MERS-related symptoms, and both results returned negative. The patient was then released from the isolation ward to the general ward.
◇ Second confirmation testing for close contacts will be conducted on September 20th
* If test results return negative, close contacts will be released from quarantine on September 22nd at 00:00, following the end of the 14-day monitoring period
(All close contacts tested negative after the first test on September 13th)
◇ The Korean government will continue efforts to prevent the additional spread of MERS

□ The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced that the results from the first and second confirmation test for the MERS confirmed case have returned negative.

○ After testing positive for MERS on September 8th, the patient was admitted to the negative pressure isolation ward at Seoul National University Hospital for treatment and has recently stopped showing MERS-related symptoms.

- In accordance with MERS response guidelines*, the patient underwent confirmation testing on September 16th and 17th, with both results returning negative.
* 48 hours after a confirmed MERS patient’s symptoms disappear, PCR testing of sputum samples is conducted twice in 24-hour intervals, and, if the results return negative, the patient is released from isolation

○ The patient was released from isolation on September 18th and moved to the general ward for further care, as necessary.


□ All 21 close contacts currently under quarantine will undergo a second confirmation test* on September 20th. If results return negative, they will be released from quarantine at the end of the 14-day monitoring period (September 22nd, 00:00).
* The first test was conducted on September 13th, with all contacts testing negative

○ Active monitoring of all 399 casual contacts (as of September 18, 18:00) will end at the same time.

□ According to KCDC analysis of specimens collected from the confirmed case showed that the virus is similar to the Hu Riyadh-KSA -9730 2017; MG912608 virus, and further analysis will be conducted to identify any mutations.

□ Should the second test results of close contacts return negative, KCDC will hold another risk assessment meeting and update the infectious disease risk alert level accordingly.

□ The Korean government announced that it will provide compensation to the confirmed patient and close contacts for fees incurred (hospital fees, living expenses, mental health counseling) as a result of cooperating with MERS preventive measures.

○ The patient’s hospital fees will be covered, and living expense compensation for patients and close contacts will be provided through emergency living funds as they were following the 2015 MERS outbreak.
* (2018, Unit: KRW) Single-person household – 430,000, Two-person household 740,000, Three-person household 950,000, Four-person household 1,170,000, Five-person household 1,390,000
* Individuals who receive paid leave under the Infectious Disease Prevention Act in addition to the 15 days of paid leave provided in accordance with Article 60 of the Labor Standards Act are not eligible for living expense compensation.


○ Psychological counseling will be provided to close contacts and their families, as necessary, through the National Trauma Center and local mental health clinics.

○ Also, the government will compensate employers of those who were hospitalized or quarantined with paid leave.
* Daily wage (max. 130,000 KRW/day) x Days quarantined

□ MOHW and KCDC appreciate the understanding, patience, and cooperation of the 21 close contacts and the 399 casual contacts in quarantine measures and other steps taken to control the spread of MERS, as well as the efforts of healthcare professionals.

○ MOHW and KCDC also announced that it will continue its efforts in preventing additional spread of MERS, and will review and assess all measures taken following this imported case to identify and improve upon any gaps in the MERS prevention, control, and response system.

□ MOHW and 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 monitoring 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.
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