Arabia in 2012, 1,917 confirmed cases have been reported globally with a high mortality rate of 38.4% (as of February 28,
2017). Sporadic outbreaks with primary infections including direct camel contact and small-scale epidemics in hospitals have
been continuously reported in Saudi Arabia, suggesting sustained implementation of strengthened surveillance. The aim of
this article is to describe the results of national surveillance and response on patients under investigation (PUI) of Middle
East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Korea from January 1 to December 31, 2016.

CURRENT STATUS: A total of 200 cases were classified as MERS suspected cases. Of those suspected, the number of cases
notified by healthcare providers were more than that of reported by patients themselves calling KCDC call center 1339 or
the public health center, with 81 cases (40.5%) and 70 cases (35%), respectively. Forty nine cases (24.5%) were identified
at the port of entry. Males (70.5%) were dominant and one in five cases was a foreigner. One hundred twenty cases (60%)
had history of travelling to UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia (50 cases, 25%) and Qatar (16 cases, 8%). Most of suspected cases
were classified as having low epidemiologic risk. The most common symptoms were fever (192 cases, 96%) and cough (144
cases, 72%), and pneumonia were observed in 16 cases (8%). Respiratory viral infections such as influenza A (24.5%),
influenza B 16 (8%) and rhinovirus 11 (5.5%) were found.

PROSPECTIVE FUTURE: It is suggested that a person with flu-like symptoms should refrain from visiting healthcare
facilities within 14 days after traveling to the Middle East, notify 1339 or a public health center, and then follow the advice.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended before traveling abroad. Considering the major
epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the suspected cases, it is necessary to continuously review and clarify the
case definition and countermeasures.