Preparedness for molecular testing of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus among laboratories in the Western Pacific Region

ABSTRACT

Since the notification of the first cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in September 2012, a total of 837 laboratory-confirmed cases and 291 deaths have been reported globally as of 23 July 2014, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. However, the possibility of importation of MERS-CoV in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region exists given the large number of individuals who travel annually to the Middle East for religious purposes, employment or other reasons.