Epidemiologic features of the first MERS outbreak in Korea: focus on Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study investigated the epidemiologic features of the confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital, where the outbreak first began, in order to identify lessons relevant for the prevention and control of future outbreaks.

Methods

The patients' clinical symptoms and test results were collected from their medical records. The caregivers of patients were identified by phone calls.

Results

After patient zero (case #1) was admitted to Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital (May 15-May 17), an outbreak occurred, with 36 cases between May 18 and June 4, 2015. Six patients died (fatality rate, 16.7%). Twenty-six cases occurred in the first-generation, and 10 in the second-generation. The median incubation period was five

SUBMITTER: Kim KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4652064 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature