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Results of national surveillance and response in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection under investigation in Korea in 2017
- Date2018-02-02 17:48
- Update2018-02-05 16:34
- DivisionDivision of Strategic Planning for Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Tel043-719-7271
Results of national surveillance and response in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection under investigation in Korea in 2017
Kim Eun Kyoung, Ryu Boyoung, Lee Jia, Kim Sewon, Kim Jia, Kim Ji Yeon, Kim Jeong Yeon Kim Hyo Jin, Shin Hee Yeong, Lee Ki Yong, Choi Seona, Choi Choro, Choe Han Saem, Lee Jeong Heon, Lee Ah Kyung, Kim Hee Jung, Moon Sangjun, Hong Jeongik
Task Force Team for MERS-CoV Preparedness and Response, KCDC
Background: Since Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) infection in humans was reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia in 2012, 2,127 confirmed cases have been reported globally, with a high mortality rate of 35.6% (as of December 31, 2017). Sporadic outbreaks of primary infections, including those associated with direct camel contact and small-scale epidemics in hospitals, have been continuously reported in Saudi Arabia, suggesting the requirement for sustained implementation of strengthened surveillance. This article aims to describe the results of national surveillance and response in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection under investigation in Korea from January 1 to December 31, 2017.
Current status: A total of 220 cases were classified as MERS-suspect cases, with confirmed case of zero. Of the suspect cases, more cases were notified by healthcare providers (99 cases, 45%) than through self-reporting by calling the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) call center (#1339) or the public health center (81 cases, 36.8%). 40 cases (18.2%) were identified at the port of entry. More cases occurred in men (77.3%) than in women, and 22.7% cases occurred in foreigners. One hundred and thirty-six cases (55.1%) included patients with a history of travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), followed by Saudi Arabia (39 cases, 15.8%) and Qatar (13 cases, 5.3%). Most of the suspect cases were classified as exhibiting a low epidemiologic risk. The most common symptoms were fever (186 cases, 84.5%) and cough (162 cases, 73.6%), whereas pneumonia was observed in 31 cases (14.1%). Respiratory viral infections, such as influenza (63 cases, 28.6%) and rhinovirus (25 cases, 11.4%) were found.
Prospective future: It is suggested that individuals who develop flu-like symptoms within 14 days after travelling to the Middle East should refrain from visiting healthcare facilities, and instead call #1339 or the public health center and then follow the guidance provided. Adminstration of seasonal influenza vaccinations is also strongly recommended before traveling abroad. Considering the major epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the suspect cases, it is necessary to continuously review and clarify the case definition and counter measures.
Keywords: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, Camelus, Influenza, Rhinovirus
Kim Eun Kyoung, Ryu Boyoung, Lee Jia, Kim Sewon, Kim Jia, Kim Ji Yeon, Kim Jeong Yeon Kim Hyo Jin, Shin Hee Yeong, Lee Ki Yong, Choi Seona, Choi Choro, Choe Han Saem, Lee Jeong Heon, Lee Ah Kyung, Kim Hee Jung, Moon Sangjun, Hong Jeongik
Task Force Team for MERS-CoV Preparedness and Response, KCDC
Background: Since Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) infection in humans was reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia in 2012, 2,127 confirmed cases have been reported globally, with a high mortality rate of 35.6% (as of December 31, 2017). Sporadic outbreaks of primary infections, including those associated with direct camel contact and small-scale epidemics in hospitals, have been continuously reported in Saudi Arabia, suggesting the requirement for sustained implementation of strengthened surveillance. This article aims to describe the results of national surveillance and response in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection under investigation in Korea from January 1 to December 31, 2017.
Current status: A total of 220 cases were classified as MERS-suspect cases, with confirmed case of zero. Of the suspect cases, more cases were notified by healthcare providers (99 cases, 45%) than through self-reporting by calling the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) call center (#1339) or the public health center (81 cases, 36.8%). 40 cases (18.2%) were identified at the port of entry. More cases occurred in men (77.3%) than in women, and 22.7% cases occurred in foreigners. One hundred and thirty-six cases (55.1%) included patients with a history of travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), followed by Saudi Arabia (39 cases, 15.8%) and Qatar (13 cases, 5.3%). Most of the suspect cases were classified as exhibiting a low epidemiologic risk. The most common symptoms were fever (186 cases, 84.5%) and cough (162 cases, 73.6%), whereas pneumonia was observed in 31 cases (14.1%). Respiratory viral infections, such as influenza (63 cases, 28.6%) and rhinovirus (25 cases, 11.4%) were found.
Prospective future: It is suggested that individuals who develop flu-like symptoms within 14 days after travelling to the Middle East should refrain from visiting healthcare facilities, and instead call #1339 or the public health center and then follow the guidance provided. Adminstration of seasonal influenza vaccinations is also strongly recommended before traveling abroad. Considering the major epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the suspect cases, it is necessary to continuously review and clarify the case definition and counter measures.
Keywords: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, Camelus, Influenza, Rhinovirus
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