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WHO: Republic of Korea reports the largest MERS-CoV outbreak outside the Arabian PeninsulaThe
outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in
the Republic of Korea continues to unfold since the first case was
reported on 20 May 2015. While the occurrence of such a large
outbreak outside the Middle East is a new development, there is
currently no indication that the virus is behaving differently than
elsewhere. Like previous outbreaks, the outbreak in the Republic of
Korea is associated with transmission in the health care setting and
among close family contacts; so far, there is no evidence of sustained
community transmission. Therefore, the overall pattern of infection
observed previously remains unchanged.
WHO is guiding the public health response in both the Republic of Korea and the other affected countries, in collaboration with partners. The response includes ensuring proper treatment of patients, preventing further cases and gaining a better understanding of transmission patterns and risk factors in this outbreak. WHO is monitoring the situation and remains vigilant.
Since September 2012, 15 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including 7 related deaths, have been reported by eight countries in the WHO European Region (Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom). Most of the cases were imported and did not result in further spread of the virus: in only three cases was there secondary transmission to family members or other contacts. The last case was reported in Germany in March 2015.
The risk that another traveller infected with MERS-CoV will enter the European Region remains. Every day, there are many travellers between Europe and the countries that are currently reporting MERS-CoV cases. Experience has shown, however, that European countries are prepared to deal with imported cases of MERS-CoV, including laboratory capacity to detect MERS-CoV, treatment facilities equipped with isolation wards and arrangements for contact tracing. In particular, consistent application of adequate measures to prevent infection and other public health measures has obviated or mitigated transmission.
WHO encourages all countries in the European Region to be vigilant, strengthen their surveillance for acute respiratory infections, especially among travellers or migrant workers returning from the Middle East, and carefully review any unusual patterns. The WHO Regional Office for Europe stands ready to support countries in assessing their capacity to respond to MERS-CoV and to provide technical assistance to scale up preparedness.
It is difficult to identify patients with MERS-CoV early, because the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory infections. In order to mitigate the risk for transmission to people who might be exposed to MERS-CoV (health care workers treating a MERS-CoV-infected patient), strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures is vital.
Health care workers caring for patients with probable or confirmed MERS-CoV infection should use precautions against contact and droplets—medical mask, eye protection, gown and gloves—in addition to standard precautions.
Travellers to and from currently affected countries should receive public health advice on MERS-CoV.
WHO is guiding the public health response in both the Republic of Korea and the other affected countries, in collaboration with partners. The response includes ensuring proper treatment of patients, preventing further cases and gaining a better understanding of transmission patterns and risk factors in this outbreak. WHO is monitoring the situation and remains vigilant.
MERS-CoV has been reported in the European Region
Since September 2012, 15 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including 7 related deaths, have been reported by eight countries in the WHO European Region (Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey and the United Kingdom). Most of the cases were imported and did not result in further spread of the virus: in only three cases was there secondary transmission to family members or other contacts. The last case was reported in Germany in March 2015.
The risk that another traveller infected with MERS-CoV will enter the European Region remains. Every day, there are many travellers between Europe and the countries that are currently reporting MERS-CoV cases. Experience has shown, however, that European countries are prepared to deal with imported cases of MERS-CoV, including laboratory capacity to detect MERS-CoV, treatment facilities equipped with isolation wards and arrangements for contact tracing. In particular, consistent application of adequate measures to prevent infection and other public health measures has obviated or mitigated transmission.
WHO recommends that European countries be highly vigilant
WHO encourages all countries in the European Region to be vigilant, strengthen their surveillance for acute respiratory infections, especially among travellers or migrant workers returning from the Middle East, and carefully review any unusual patterns. The WHO Regional Office for Europe stands ready to support countries in assessing their capacity to respond to MERS-CoV and to provide technical assistance to scale up preparedness.
Adherence to infection prevention and control measures in health care settings
It is difficult to identify patients with MERS-CoV early, because the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory infections. In order to mitigate the risk for transmission to people who might be exposed to MERS-CoV (health care workers treating a MERS-CoV-infected patient), strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures is vital.
Health care workers caring for patients with probable or confirmed MERS-CoV infection should use precautions against contact and droplets—medical mask, eye protection, gown and gloves—in addition to standard precautions.
Public health advice to travellers
Travellers to and from currently affected countries should receive public health advice on MERS-CoV.
- Travellers
to affected countries, particularly people with pre-existing medical
conditions and the elderly, should avoid close contact with animals,
especially camels, and follow strict hygiene measures, such as regular
hand-washing.
People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine or eating meat that has not been adequately cooked. - Travellers back to Europe should report any acute respiratory illness to medical staff during 2 weeks (incubation period) after their return and inform the staff about their recent travel. Eliciting a travel history from patients with severe respiratory disease is crucial for detecting cases.