An importation of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus into the Republic of Korea in 2015 led to the largest MERS outbreak outside of the Middle East. By the end of the outbreak, 186 laboratory-confirmed cases (185 in Republic of Korea and 1 in China) and 38 deaths had been recorded.
The Republic of Korea notified WHO on 20 May 2015 under the International Health Regulations (2005). On 28 May 2015, WHO activated the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and established an Event Management Team. Daily situation updates were published on the website, along with regular updates to the web-based Event Information Site and the Disease Outbreak News bulletin.
In June, a joint mission was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and WHO to assess the risks posed by the outbreak and make recommendations on response measures. The joint mission was followed by a visit by Dr Shin Young-soo and Dr Margaret Chan, then the WHO Regional Director and Director-General respectively.
The Republic of Korea notified WHO on 20 May 2015 under the International Health Regulations (2005). On 28 May 2015, WHO activated the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and established an Event Management Team. Daily situation updates were published on the website, along with regular updates to the web-based Event Information Site and the Disease Outbreak News bulletin.
In June, a joint mission was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and WHO to assess the risks posed by the outbreak and make recommendations on response measures. The joint mission was followed by a visit by Dr Shin Young-soo and Dr Margaret Chan, then the WHO Regional Director and Director-General respectively.
Infographics
