MERS epidemiological investigation to detect potential mode of transmission in the 178th MERS confirmed case in Pyeongtaek, Korea

• 발행기관: 한국역학회
• 저자명: Kyujin Chang Moran Ki Eun Gyu Lee Soon Young Lee Byoungin Yoo Jong Hyuk Choi
• 간행물 정보: 『Epidemiology and Health』37, 1~789쪽, 전체 7쪽
• 주제분류: 의약학 > 면역학
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2015.05.30

영문 초록

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.

목차

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION

키워드

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Epidemiologic investigation Mode of transmission Outbreak Korea