Busan City Strengthens Infection Control for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Guidance on Suspected Patient Reporting System, Establishment of Linkage with Related Agencies, Promotion of Contact Isolation and Passive Surveillance

Visitors Returning from Middle East Region to Seek Immediate Consultation if MERS Suspected Symp

Busan City is strengthening infection control measures for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) during the Islamic pilgrimage season (Hajj, ’23.6.26.~7.1.).

MERS Information Notice.

This is because the number of citizens visiting Saudi Arabia, where MERS mainly occurs, for the Islamic pilgrimage is expected to have increased.

Although there have been no reported cases of MERS in Korea since 2018 (1 case), occurrences continue to be reported in the Middle East. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Saudi Arabia reported 61 cases in 2020, 18 in 2021, 10 in 2022, and 1 case as of May 2023.

To strengthen infection control, the city has unified the consultation window for suspected symptoms to the KDCA call center (1339) and informed medical institutions about the suspected patient reporting system through the overseas travel history information system linked with the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) service.

In addition, if a suspected patient is identified, the city coordinates with related organizations (public health centers, hospitals, health and environment research institutes, Gyeongnam Disease Response Center, etc.) to ensure testing, isolation, and treatment, and strives to block transmission through active isolation and passive monitoring of contacts.

The city urges visitors to the Middle East during the Islamic pilgrimage season to immediately seek consultation if suspected MERS symptoms occur within two weeks after returning.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is also actively advising Hajj participants to be cautious about MERS infection.

Pre-departure precautions were provided through the Hajj agency (Korea Islamic Foundation), and safety text messages related to MERS prevention guidelines were sent locally in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After entry, a total of four infection prevention advisory text messages will be sent over 14 days to encourage voluntary consultation (1339).

Lee Sora, Director of the Citizen Health Bureau, said, “Visitors to the Middle East who develop suspected infectious disease symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or sore throat within two weeks after returning should immediately contact the KDCA call center (1339) for consultation,” adding, “When visiting medical institutions, be sure to inform them of your overseas travel history before receiving treatment.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.