Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak in the Republic of Korea

Authors

  • Emma Xuxiao Zhang Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Olivia Seen Huey Oh Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Wanhan See Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Pream Raj Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Lyn James Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore
  • Kamran Khan Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada. cDepartment of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
  • Jeannie Su Hui Tey Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.4.008

Abstract

Objective: To assess the public health risk to Singapore posed by the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in the Republic of Korea in 2015.

Methods: The likelihood of importation of MERS cases and the magnitude of the public health impact in Singapore were assessed to determine overall risk. Literature on the epidemiology and contextual factors associated with MERS coronavirus infection was collected and reviewed. Connectivity between the Republic of Korea and Singapore was analysed. Public health measures implemented by the two countries were reviewed.

Results: The epidemiology of the 2015 MERS outbreak in the Republic of Korea remained similar to the MERS outbreaks in Saudi Arabia. In addition, strong infection control and response measures were effective in controlling the outbreak. In view of the air traffic between Singapore and MERS-affected areas, importation of MERS cases into Singapore is possible. Nonetheless, the risk of a serious public health impact to Singapore in the event of an imported case of MERS would be mitigated by its strong health-care system and established infection control practices.

Discussion: The MERS outbreak was sparked by an exported case from the Middle East, which remains a concern as the reservoir of infection (thought to be camels) continues to exist in the Middle East, and sporadic cases in the community and outbreaks in health-care settings continue to occur there. This risk assessment highlights the need for Singapore to stay vigilant and to continue enhancing core public health capacities to detect and respond to MERS coronavirus.

Author Biography

Emma Xuxiao Zhang, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore

Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control

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Published

19-10-2016

How to Cite

1.
Zhang EX, Oh OSH, See W, Raj P, James L, Khan K, Tey JSH. Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak in the Republic of Korea. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2016 Oct. 19 [cited 2026 Apr. 6];7(2). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/413

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2016): April – June

Section

Risk Assessment

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