Lessons to learn from MERS-CoV outbreak in South Korea

Abstract

Since the first identification of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012 the virus has infected 1289 humans with approximately 40% mortalities. Currently South Korea is experiencing the hospital-associated outbreak of MER-CoV that has infected 126 human cases and 13 deaths, as of 12 June 2015, following the return of a MERS infected patient from Middle East. The episode is characterized unique being the largest cluster of patients linked to the single introduction of virus that involves three generations of virus transmission. Human-to-human transmission though was observed on several occasions in past, it is documented as non-sustainable event. The recent outbreak including the healthcare workers, index case's roommates and their caregivers, raises several concerns about the infection control practices and timely diagnosis of MERS.