MERS Statement n°2

STATEMENT FROM THE FISU MEDICAL COMMITTEE CHAIR, Lawrence D. RINK, M.D.

The current MERS outbreak represents the first occurrence outside the Middle East.

Representatives from the World Health Organization are actively meeting with the Minister of Health of the Republic of Korea to make sure all the plans are in place to control the spread of MERS not only in South Korea but in other countries.

Also, plans are in place with the GUOC to monitor all persons coming to the Summer Universiade at entrance to the country and again at entrance to the Athletes’ Village. All medical personnel involved in the Summer Universiade will be educated in all known facts about MERS.

We do not expect the MERS situation to affect the Summer Universiade. FISU is cooperating with all organizations in this regard and will take the greatest precautions possible as we always have. We will continue to make updates on the FISU website. Please see below the most current information in regard to MERS in Korea and specifically in Gwangju.

In Korea

• 122 cases confirmed;

• 10 Deaths due to MERS virus;

• 3,439 People who may have come into contact with the MERS virus.

In Gwangju

• No. of Confirmed Cases: NONE;

• No. of Suspected Patients : 1;

• No. of Gwangju residents who were notified to be quarantined due to contact with virus in another district: 15 People;

• Transfer from Other Districts (not Gwangju) to Chonnam National University Hospital (State designated hospital): 3 People (1 confirmed case);

• No. of Heat Sensors Installed: 5.

2 at Gwangju Songjeong Station, 1 at Gwangju Station, 1 at Gwangju Airport, 1 at Gwangju Bus Terminal.

Measures taken by the OC

• Promote the installation of triage screening at the Polyclinic;

• Promote the installation of heat sensors at the Athletes’ Village, HQ hotel, etc. in order to prevent infection.