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KMID : 1143420170100170420
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Public Health Weekly Report
2017 Volume.10 No. 17 p.420 ~ p.426
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Results of National Surveillance and Response on Patients Under Investigation (PUI) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Infection in Korea, 2016
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Jang Yoon-Suk
Jeon Byoung-Hak
Ryu Bo-Young
Kim Eun-Kyoung
Lee Ji-A
Kim Han-Suk
Hong Jeong-Ik
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Since Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) human infection was reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia in 2012, 1,917 confirmed cases have been reported globally with a high mortality rate of 38.4% (as of February 28, 2017). Sporadic outbreaks with primary infections including direct camel contact and small-scale epidemics in hospitals have been continuously reported in Saudi Arabia, suggesting sustained implementation of strengthened surveillance. The aim of this article is to describe the results of national surveillance and response on patients under investigation (PUI) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Korea from January 1 to December 31, 2016.
CURRENT STATUS: A total of 200 cases were classified as MERS suspected cases. Of those suspected, the number of cases notified by healthcare providers were more than that of reported by patients themselves calling KCDC call center 1339 or the public health center, with 81 cases (40.5%) and 70 cases (35%), respectively. Forty nine cases (24.5%) were identified at the port of entry. Males (70.5%) were dominant and one in five cases was a foreigner. One hundred twenty cases (60%) had history of travelling to UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia (50 cases, 25%) and Qatar (16 cases, 8%). Most of suspected cases were classified as having low epidemiologic risk. The most common symptoms were fever (192 cases, 96%) and cough (144 cases, 72%), and pneumonia were observed in 16 cases (8%). Respiratory viral infections such as influenza A (24.5%), influenza B 16 (8%) and rhinovirus 11 (5.5%) were found.
PROSPECTIVE FUTURE: It is suggested that a person with flu-like symptoms should refrain from visiting healthcare facilities within 14 days after traveling to the Middle East, notify 1339 or a public health center, and then follow the advice. Seasonal influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended before traveling abroad. Considering the major epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the suspected cases, it is necessary to continuously review and clarify the case definition and countermeasures.
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