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Busan Metropolitan City Strengthens Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Control in Cooperation with Related Agencies

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Acting Mayor Kim Kyung-duk, announced that it will strengthen infection control measures against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in anticipation of increased travel to Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic pilgrimage period (Hajj, May 25–30, 2026).

The Islamic pilgrimage is a highly crowded large-scale gathering attended by millions of people from more than 180 countries every year. Pilgrims and travelers visiting Saudi Arabia during this period are advised to thoroughly follow local infection prevention guidelines.

Although no MERS cases have been reported in Korea since a single case in 2018, cases continue to occur in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Reported confirmed cases in Saudi Arabia are as follows: 61 cases in 2020, 18 in 2021, 10 in 2022, 4 in 2023, 8 in 2024, and 17 in 2025. No cases had been reported as of March 2026.

To prevent the spread of imported infectious diseases into the local community during the pilgrimage period, the city is strengthening cooperation among related agencies, including medical institutions, public health centers, nationally designated treatment hospitals, the Busan Metropolitan City Institute of Health and Environment, and the Gyeongnam Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The city is also enhancing preventive publicity for overseas travelers and providing guidance on reporting suspected symptoms after entry into Korea.

Medical institutions may report suspected cases through the Drug Utilization Review–International Traveler Information System (DUR-ITS).

If a suspected case is identified, the city will coordinate with related agencies to ensure testing, isolation, and treatment are promptly carried out. The city also plans to focus on preventing local transmission through active quarantine and passive monitoring of contacts.

In particular, visitors returning from Middle Eastern countries during the pilgrimage period are advised to seek consultation immediately through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center (1339) if they develop suspected MERS symptoms within 14 days after returning to Korea.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is also actively urging heightened awareness of infectious diseases during the pilgrimage period.

In cooperation with the Korea Muslim Federation and pilgrimage travel agencies, the agency is providing MERS prevention guidelines for pilgrims, strengthening quarantine measures upon entry, and encouraging prompt reporting for early detection within local communities.

Cho Gyu-yul, Director General of the Citizens’ Health Bureau, stated, “Travelers visiting the Middle East should strictly follow preventive measures against MERS infection during their trip, and if fever or respiratory symptoms develop within 14 days after returning, they should immediately contact the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center for consultation.” He added, “When visiting a medical institution with suspected symptoms, travelers must inform healthcare providers of their recent overseas travel history before receiving treatment.”