The Ministry of Health has issued warnings to members of the public travelling abroad to be aware of emerging viral disease MERS-Cov in the Middle East.

The MERS-Cov (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) is an acute and severe respiratory disease which in severe cases may also affect other organs. The disease was reported for the first time in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, and since then 1,400 cases have been reported, of which a majority were found in the Middle East region. Cases were also reported in seven European countries, all related to the Middle East. About 600 people have died of the disease.

At the moment South Korea is experiencing an increased number of cases, with around 200 currently. It seems that the disease was carried to the area by visitors from the Arabian peninsula and spread in Korea through human transmission, particularly through contaminated caregivers. The epidemic spread quickly in May 2015 but seems to have now peaked.

The source of the disease is thought to be the dromedary camel in the Middle East. Sick people are able to transmit the disease to others, with the route of transmission assumed to be aerial: small droplets are exhaled by the infected person and can then be breathed in by others. The health sector is therefore concerned and has released region-specific advice and concerns.

South Korea

The risk to travellers is very low, unless they have direct contact with health institutions in affected areas.

Arabian Peninsula

The risk for travellers is considered low. There may be some risk involved in coming into contact with medical institutions and structures, or with camels and camel products. This risk is considerd higher than in South Korea due to the reported higher number of hospital-based transmissions and infections resulting from animal contact, with the exact source remaining unknown.

A trip to these countries is not indicated against, but it is recommended that precautions are taken with reference to observing hand and food hygiene and avoiding contact with sick people. Visitors to the Arabian Peninsula are advised to avoid contact with camels, farms, unpasteurised camel milk and under-cooked food.

People with health problems are more likely to develop more serious signs of illness should they become infected with MERS-Cov, and therefore need to pay particular attention to the factors previously specified. Those at risk are:

- The elderly
- Those with a chronic illness such as heart, kidney or respiratory or neurological problems or diabetes
- Those with acquired or congenital immune deficiency
- Pregnant women

It is therefore recommended that these people consult their doctor before leaving. Should they need to use medical facilities during their stay in the country of destination, they should ask to be informed beforehand of the safety of these institutions.

Those experiencing severe symptoms such as breathing problems, a cough and a high temperature within two weeks of their return from one of the affected areas should immediately seek medical attention and inform medical personnel of their recent trip.

For further information, contact the Health Inspection department at 247-85650.