FISU has issued their second statement regarding the MERS outbreak in South Korea. As of today, CNN has reported 16 MERS related deaths in South Korea. With the start of the 2015 World University Games less than a month away, FISU is now taking precautionary measures to ensure MERS does not spread to any of the athletes or spectators while the are in Gwangju for the event.
A week ago, FISU issued their original statement claiming they did not believe that the MERS outbreak would impact the World University Games this summer. Although they still don’t expect MERS to affect the games, they are changing their tone this morning, saying they are now taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease during the games.
Although there are no confirmed cases of MERS in Gwanju, one patient is believed to have the virus and fifteen others have been quarantined. To prevent the spread of the disease, they are promoting the installation of heat sensors at the entrances of the Athlete Village and in other hotels. All medical personnel involved in the Games will be educated in all known facts about MERS.
Below is the official seconds statement from The FISU Medical Committee Chair, Lawrence D. Rink, M.D.
The current MERS outbreak represents the first occurrence outside the Middle East.
Representatives from the redrld Health Organization are actively meeting with the Minister of Health of the Republic of Korea to make sure all the plans are in place to control the spread of MERS not only in South Korea but in other countries.
Also, plans are in place with the GUOC to monitor all persons coming to the Summer Universiade at entrance to the country and again at entrance to the Athletes’ Village. All medical personnel involved in the Summer Universiade will be educated in all known facts about MERS.
We do not expect the MERS situation to affect the Summer Universiade. FISU is cooperating with all organizations in this regard and will take the greatest precautions possible as we always have. We will continue to make updates on the FISU website. Please see below the most current information in regard to MERS in Korea and specifically in Gwangju.
In Korea
- 122 cases confirmed;
- 10 Deaths due to MERS virus;
- 3,439 People who may have come into contact with the MERS virus.
In Gwangju
- No. of Confirmed Cases: NONE;
- No. of Suspected Patients : 1;
- No. of Gwangju residents who were notified to be quarantined due to contact with virus in another district: 15 People;
- Transfer from Other Districts (not Gwangju) to Chonnam National University Hospital (State designated hospital): 3 People (1 confirmed case);
- No. of Heat Sensors Installed: 5.
- 2 at Gwangju Songjeong Station,
- 1 at Gwangju Station,
- 1 at Gwangju Airport,
- 1 at Gwangju Bus Terminal.
Measures taken by the OC
- Promote the installation of triage screening at the Polyclinic;
- Promote the installation of heat sensors at the Athletes’ Village, HQ hotel, etc. in order to prevent infection.