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Imported MERS Case Event to be Declared Over on Oct. 16, 00:00 (Oct. 15)
  • Date2018-10-15 17:21
  • Update2019-11-18 19:51
  • DivisionDivision of Health Preparedness and Response
  • Tel043-719-9061


Imported MERS Case Event to be Declared Over on Oct. 16, 00:00 (Oct. 15)

Contact: Moon Sang-Jun, Division of Health Preparedness and Response, 043-719-9061

◇ In accordance with WHO standards, MERS situation following the imported case on Sept. 8, 2018 to come to a close on Oct. 16 at 00:00
◇ Travelers to the Middle East advised to take necessary precautions against MERS infection and cooperate with quarantine measures at point of entry


□ The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the MERS situation regarding the confirmed case from Sept. 8th will come to a close on Oct. 16, 00:00, in accordance with standards designated by the WHO*.

* Situation declared over upon no additional cases for 28 days (twice the length of the 14-day monitoring period for MERS) following the date of the confirmed case’s negative test results (Sept. 17).

○ The National Infectious Disease Risk Alert Level was lowered from YELLOW to BLUE at 00:00 on Sept. 22 following a risk assessment meeting on Sept. 21, determining that the risk of additional spread from the confirmed case was very low.

□ Taking into consideration that there is always a risk of MERS imported cases, KCDC affirmed that it will review and assess any gaps in its MERS response measures and improve upon them, as necessary.


□ When visiting the Middle East, individuals are advised to maintain proper personal hygiene, such as washing hand 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 time of entry. Those who experience any MERS-related symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) are advised to report their symptoms to the KCDC 1339 call center or their local public health center for further instructions.

○ 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.
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