What is MERS?

The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus which causes acute respiratory illness in infected patients.

The virus was first reported by the WHO(World Health Organisation) on 22 September 2012, and thus far all cases worldwide remained associated with the Arabian Peninsula.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which are known to cause illness in humans and animals.

Human coronaviruses usually cause mild respiratory illnesses like the common cold, with the exception of the MERS-CoV and the SARS coronavirus which can cause severe illness.

MERS outbreak updates

As of June 2015:

The outbreak of MERS continues to evolve in South Korea.

Korea's first case of the virus was confirmed in May 2015.

To date, contact tracing has identified a total of 25 laboratory-confirmed cases, including the index case.

In light of the outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare will be conducting a joint mission in Korea.

The purpose of the mission is so as to gain information and review the current situation.

Based on current data, there are no records of human-to-human transmission in communities and no airborne transmission.

Do stay tuned for more updates!