The MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic has hit South Korea again, with 7 new cases confirmed as of last week. This brings the total number of cases to 145 since the first outbreak last month, and 14 people have now died.

What is MERS?

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in other countries, including South Korea.

The symptoms of MERS include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure.

The Situation in South Korea

The first case of MERS in South Korea was found in May, when a man returned from a trip to the Middle East. Since then, the disease has spread rapidly, with several hospitals in Seoul and surrounding areas reporting cases of MERS.

The situation has caused widespread panic amongst the population, leading many to cancel their travel plans and avoid public places. Schools have also been closed, and some businesses have been affected due to the fear of the disease spreading.

Preventive Measures

The South Korean government has been taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes screening people at airports, banning hospital visits, and closing schools.

The government has also implemented a specialized team of doctors to control the outbreak of the disease.

Health officials believe that the situation is under control, and that the outbreak has already peaked. However, they have also warned that new cases may emerge in the coming weeks.

International Response

The MERS outbreak in South Korea has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings. China, Japan, and Taiwan have all advised their citizens to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concern, stating that the situation in South Korea is “serious,” and that additional measures need to be taken to control the outbreak.

Conclusion

The MERS outbreak in South Korea has caused widespread concern, with many people worried about the spread of the disease. However, health officials believe that the situation is under control, and that the outbreak has already peaked.

Despite this, extra care should be taken in preventing the spread of the disease, and people should consult medical professionals if they suspect that they may have contracted MERS.