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USFK releases update on MERS

  • Published
Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a serious respiratory disease in the Republic of Korea with numerous reported cases.  Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

USFK beneficiaries seen at the following locations since 15 May should call their health clinic for guidance and telephone evaluation.

Seoul
Dongjak-gu  Vsin clinic
Gangnam-gu  Samsung Medical Center (ER)
Gangnam-gu  Vievis Namuh Hospital
Gangdong-gu  365 Open Clinic
Gangdong-gu  Kyung Hee University Hospital Gangdong (ER)
Gangseo-gu  Hang Coloproctology Clinic
Gangseo-gu  Dr. Kim's E.N.T.
Gwangjin-gu  Konkuk University Medical Denter (ER)
Jung-gu   Hanaro Clinic
Jung-gu   Yoon Chang Ok Internal Medicine Clinic
Sungdong-gu  St. Mary's Family Practice Clinic
Songpa-gu  Asan Medical Center
Yangcheon-gu  Mediheal Clinic (ER)
Yangcheon-gu  Ewha Womans University Medical Center
Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital
Yeongdeungpo-gu Seoul Bok Ji Hospital

Other Cities
Asan    Asan Seoul Hospital
Boryeong   365 Yonhap Clinic
Bucheon   Medihols Clinic
Bucheon   Bucheon St. Mary Hospital
Cheonan       Dankook University Hospital (ER)
Daejeon   365 Yonhap Clinic (Outpatient Clinic)
Daejeon   DaeCheong Hospital
Daejeon   Konyang Hospital (ER)
Daejeon   Eulji Hospital (ER)
Dongtan   Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital
Gimje    Woosuk Hospital
Gimje    Hansol Internal Medicine
Gimje    Mirae Radiology Medical Clinic
Gunpo    St. Mary's Family Medicine Clinic
Gongju    Gongju Hyundai Hospital (ER)
Pyeongtaek   St. Mary Hospital
Pyeongtaek    Good Morning Hospital
Pyeongtaek   Purun Hospital
Pyeongtaek   365 Open Clinic
Pyeongtaek   365 Yonhap Clinic
Pyeongtaek   Park Ae Clinic
Pyeongtaek   Yonsei Hub Family Practice Clinic
Pyeongtaek   New Seoul clinic
Hwasung  Sok100 Internal Medicine
Saha    Im Hong Sub Internal Medicine
Suwon    St. Vincent Hospital (ER)
Suwon    Cha Min Internal Medicine
Sungnam   Seoul Rehabilitation Hospital
Sunchang   Choi, Sun Young Internal Medicine (Outpatient Clinic)
Osan    Osan Hankook Hospital (Outpatient Clinic)
Okcheon   Okcheon St. Mary Hospital
Yongin    Suji 21C Clinic

All patients in Korea acquired this illness in hospital settings where they came in direct or indirect contact with MERS patients.  Contacts with MERS patients will require monitoring or isolation, usually in the home, for up to 14 days.

MERS has not been shown to be transmitted through airborne routes or in the community - only through hospital level direct and indirect contact.  If you were seen at any other host nation hospital on or after 15 May 2015 AND you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your local military treatment facility for further guidance.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Travel Warning Level 1 for the Republic of Korea, which means to "practice usual precautions" and is consistent with the recommended prevention methods listed below. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available, but please take note of the following recommended measures to protect yourself from illness:

- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and throw the used tissue in the trash. Do not reuse tissues.
- Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, handrails, or toys.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing or sharing eating utensils, with sick individuals.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals. 

United States Forces Korea Surgeon's Office will provide updates as information becomes available.  Further information on MERS may also be obtained at the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/MERS