MERS-CoV in South Korea

International SOS is monitoring the recent rise in cases of MERS-CoV in South Korea. 
Over 30 health facilities are associated with more than 120 cases of infection.
 
International SOS provides the following advice to those currently in – or planning to travel to - South Korea:
Travel can proceed. There is no indication the virus is spreading in the general community.

• Before travel: Call International SOS for a briefing, especially those with underlying health issues who are likely to require medical attention during travel. Do not travel if you are sick.
• During travel:
  
  • Pay attention to hygiene (wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face and keep a safe distance from people who are coughing or sneezing). Proper hygiene will prevent many illnesses.
  • Should you require medical assistance, call International SOS. 
• Departing South Korea, be aware that:
  
  • We always recommend to defer air travel if you show symptoms of any infection, especially when travelling from a location with an outbreak such as MERS-CoV. 
  • Travellers who are ill with any infectious disease may become more unwell during the flight, and there is a risk of spreading the infection to fellow passengers. 
  • Passengers may not be allowed to board an aircraft if they have symptoms such as fever.
  • In some situations, if the flight crew believes that a passenger has a serious disease, a flight may be diverted to the nearest appropriate airport.
  • Many locations are screening all arriving passengers for symptoms of infectious disease, and there may be additional focus on passengers from South Korea. Anyone with a fever or other symptoms may be subject to further medical assessment and/or enforced isolation. Quarantine may be extended to passengers seated in surrounding rows of the infected traveller, and potentially to all passengers on the flight.

 
International SOS provides Pandemic Information 24/7 at https://www.internationalsos.com/pandemicpreparedness/.

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.

 

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.   

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com