MERS epidemiological investigation to detect potential mode of transmission in the 178th MERS confirmed case in Pyeongtaek, Korea / 한국역학회지
Epidemiology and Health
;
: e2015036-2015.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-721286
ABSTRACT
Most cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infection in Korea (outbreak May 11-July 4, 2015) occurred in hospital settings, with uncertain transmission modes in some cases. We performed an in-depth investigation epidemiological survey on the 178th case to determine the precise mode of transmission. A 29-year-old man living in Pyeongtaek presented on June 16 with a febrile sensation, chills, and myalgia. Upon confirmatory diagnosis on June 23, he was treated in an isolation room and discharged on July 2 after cure. An epidemiological investigation of all possible infection routes indicated two likely modes of transmission exposure to MERS in Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital during a visit to his hospitalized father (May 18-29), and infection through frequent contact with his father between the latter's referral to Pyeongtaek Good Samaritan Bagae Hospital for treatment without confirmatory diagnosis until his death (May 29-June 6). Although lack of clear proof or evidence to the contrary does not allow a definitive conclusion, all other possibilities could be excluded by epidemiological inferences. While it is impossible to trace back the modes of transmission of all cases in a large-scale outbreak, case-by-case tracking and isolation of infected individuals and those in close contact with them is important in preventing the spread. Efforts should be made to establish a methodology for rapid tracking of all possible contacts and elimination-based identification of the precise modes of transmission.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Referral and Consultation
/
Sensation
/
Chills
/
Diagnosis
/
Fathers
/
Myalgia
/
Korea
/
Middle East
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Epidemiology and Health
Year:
2015
Type:
Article
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