Message from the Australian Embassy regarding MERS
MERS in South Korea continue to be closely followed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Korean and American Centres for Disease Control (CDC). The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely. We recommend Australians seek reliable sources of information and remain up to date - the WHO website and the US Government’s CDC MERS Website are such reliable sources of information. Information is also available at the Korean CDC website (in Korean language only).
Key points to understand from the current medical knowledge is that this virus spreads from ill people to others through close contact. It does not spread through the air. Experts stress that the spread of this disease can be controlled, provided individuals follow personal hygiene guidelines already published. The best prevention for any viral illness at this stage is to wash your hands frequently, avoid contact by fingers with your mouth or eyes, avoid visiting known MERS patients and to seek professional medical attention if displaying any symptoms of respiratory illness or high temperature.
The current Travel Advice for Korea on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller Website remains current. We encourage all Australians travellers to register their presence with the Department on the Smartraveller Website and to subscribe to the Travel Advice for Korea. Any updates to the Travel Advice will automatically be e-mailed to subscribers.