2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea
| 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea | |
|---|---|
| 250px Electron micrograph of a MERS-CoV virion | |
| Disease | Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) |
| Virus strain | MERS-CoV |
| Location | South Korea |
| First outbreak | Middle East |
| Index case | May 20, 2015 |
| Date | May 20, 2015 – December 23, 2015 |
| Confirmed cases | 186 |
Deaths | 38 |
The 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea was a significant public health event involving the spread of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in South Korea. The outbreak began in May 2015 and was the largest outbreak of MERS outside the Middle East.
Background[edit | edit source]
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV, a novel coronavirus first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The virus is zoonotic, with camels being a major reservoir host. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily in healthcare settings.
Timeline of the Outbreak[edit | edit source]
The outbreak in South Korea began when a 68-year-old man returned from a trip to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. He developed symptoms on May 11, 2015, and was diagnosed with MERS on May 20, 2015, after visiting several healthcare facilities.
The virus spread rapidly within healthcare settings, leading to 186 confirmed cases and 38 deaths. The outbreak was contained by December 2015, with the last case reported on December 23, 2015.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
The outbreak was characterized by nosocomial transmission, with most cases occurring in hospitals. The index patient visited multiple healthcare facilities before being diagnosed, leading to widespread exposure. The outbreak highlighted the importance of infection control measures in preventing the spread of MERS-CoV.
Public Health Response[edit | edit source]
The South Korean government implemented several measures to control the outbreak, including:
- Quarantine of suspected cases and contacts
- Closure of affected hospitals
- Public health campaigns to raise awareness
- Travel advisories and screening at airports
The World Health Organization (WHO) provided support and guidance during the outbreak.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The outbreak had significant social and economic impacts, including:
- Public fear and anxiety
- Decreased tourism and economic activity
- Criticism of the government's initial response
Lessons Learned[edit | edit source]
The 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea underscored the need for:
- Rapid diagnosis and isolation of cases
- Effective communication and public health messaging
- Strengthening of infection control practices in healthcare settings
Also see[edit | edit source]
Template:Infectious disease outbreaks
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