Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- The government has issued a travel advice for Indonesians traveling to or those who are in South Korea due to the rapid spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the country.

"We have already issued a travel advice," Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi said here on Monday.

She added that the Indonesian government has issued a travel advice for areas in South Korea that face the threat of the spread of the MERS virus.

"We have already issued a travel advice for areas that are now witnessing (MERS) cases. The medical prescriptions can be seen on the Ministry of Health's website," she pointed out.

Marsudi further noted that the government will stay abreast of developments on MERS infections to increase the travel advice status to a travel warning if needed.

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, urged Indonesians visiting the country to be wary of the transmission of the MERS virus with regard to some suggestions issued by the Ministry of Health of South Korea.

Avoiding crowds, using a mask in public places, washing hands frequently, and going to the nearest hospital immediately if you exhibit symptoms of the disease, among others, are among the advices conveyed by the South Korean ministry to avoid catching the infection.

The Ministry of Health of South Korea announced that till Monday, June 8, the total number of people in the country infected by the virus reached 87.

MERS was found in South Korea in late May when a patient who tested positive for the disease infected two others.

Of the 50 MERS cases in South Korea, 33 are patients, visitors and medical staff members of the hospital where the first case was found.

MERS virus was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Since then, it has caused more than 440 deaths.

Moreover, an investigation team of the World Health Organization (WHO) will visit South Korea to examine the spread of MERS in the country.

According to international health regulations, WHO can conduct an investigation in a country that is facing the threat of a disease and requires international cooperation. (WDY)

Pewarta:

Editor : I Gusti Bagus Widyantara


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