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Review
. 2016 May 10;7(2):17-25.
doi: 10.5365/WPSAR.2015.6.4.008. eCollection 2016 Apr-Jun.

Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Emma Xuxiao Zhang  1 , Olivia Seen Huey Oh  1 , Wanhan See  1 , Pream Raj  1 , Lyn James  1 , Kamran Khan  2 , Jeannie Su Hui Tey  1
Affiliations
Review

Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Emma Xuxiao Zhang et al. Western Pac Surveill Response J. .

Abstract

Objective: To assess the public health risk to Singapore posed by the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in the Republic of Korea in 2015.

Methods: The likelihood of importation of MERS cases and the magnitude of the public health impact in Singapore were assessed to determine overall risk. Literature on the epidemiology and contextual factors associated with MERS coronavirus infection was collected and reviewed. Connectivity between the Republic of Korea and Singapore was analysed. Public health measures implemented by the two countries were reviewed.

Results: The epidemiology of the 2015 MERS outbreak in the Republic of Korea remained similar to the MERS outbreaks in Saudi Arabia. In addition, strong infection control and response measures were effective in controlling the outbreak. In view of the air traffic between Singapore and MERS-affected areas, importation of MERS cases into Singapore is possible. Nonetheless, the risk of a serious public health impact to Singapore in the event of an imported case of MERS would be mitigated by its strong health-care system and established infection control practices.

Discussion: The MERS outbreak was sparked by an exported case from the Middle East, which remains a concern as the reservoir of infection (thought to be camels) continues to exist in the Middle East, and sporadic cases in the community and outbreaks in health-care settings continue to occur there. This risk assessment highlights the need for Singapore to stay vigilant and to continue enhancing core public health capacities to detect and respond to MERS coronavirus.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Top final destinations of travellers from the Republic of Korea, January to November 2015
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cumulative and daily number of contacts of MERS cases under quarantine in the Republic of Korea, 2015*
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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