On June 21, 2015. the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, operated by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) received a voluntary report of a suspected MERS-CoV case in a 21-year-old male Korean traveler by a travel agency. The traveler visited Taiwan from Incheon, Korea during June 20 and 21. After he arrived in Taiwan on June 20, he visited Keelung, Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen. In the evening of his arrival, he developed a slight fever (37.3^o). As the travel agency was worried that the traveler might be infected with MERS-CoV, they voluntarily reported the traveler as a suspected case through calling 1922. In the morning of June 21, the traveler sought medical attention. As the traveler saw his orthodontist before he visited Taiwan, he had been experiencing an on-and-off mild fever and he carried pain relivers/fever reducers with him. As the physician ruled out the diagnosis of pneumonia and the case’s fever subsided, infection with MERS-CoV was eliminated. The traveler was educated about the proper way to put on a mask when experiencing influenza-like symptoms, paying attention to hand hygiene through frequent hand-washing with soap, and avoiding unnecessary contacts with others before he returned to the hotel for rest. In addition, the traveler canceled the rest of his trip and left for Korea in the evening of June 21.

In preparation for the potential importation of MERS-CoV cases, all healthcare facilities have been required to reinforce the implementation of infection control and prevention measures and patient classification. Further, besides offering the 24/7 toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922), Taiwan CDC has also been working on improving the existing laboratory diagnostic capacity and the implementation of border quarantine. Taiwan CDC appreciates continuous vigilance from and cooperation by the public and healthcare facilities. Effective control and prevention of infectious diseases require the whole-hearted involvement of the public, healthcare facilities and government agencies. The public is once again urged to continue supporting and cooperating with all prevention measures implemented the government.

As summer vacation is fast approaching, travelers planning to visit South Korea are urged to avoid unnecessary hospital visits. When you develop influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough or general discomfort within 14 days after returning home from overseas, please put on a mask immediately, call the toll-free hotline, 1922, be sure to follow the hotline operator’s instructions while seeking medical assistance. On the other hand, if you have not developed any symptoms upon your return, you are also advised to monitor your own health for 14 days by taking body temperature twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, seek immediate medical attention when experiencing symptoms, and inform the physician of your recent travel, occupation, contact and cluster (TOCC) history. Airports, airline companies, and travel agencies are also urged to pay attention to the health of travelers and remind travelers to pay attention to personal hygiene and health management.

Taiwan CDC urges physicians to be sure to inquire suspected patients their travel, occupation, contact and cluster (TOCC) history and reinforce the reporting of suspected cases to ensure prompt treatment and subsequent implementation of the relevant prevention and control measures. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).