(June 17, 2015)
A red flag went up at Guam International Airport on June 12 when a visitor from South Korea tried to board a Jeju Airlines flight back to Korea. The South Korea government placed him on a watch list because he was treated for a broken finger at a hospital in South Korea where they were treating a MERS patients.
It's unclear how the Korean man was allowed to board a plane to Guam despite being on the watch list. Shortly after 11 p.m., CDC officials contacted local health officials regarding the tourist. Guam's pandemic alert systems went into place immediately. He and his family were contained, and doctors confirmed he does not have the virus.
Please refer to the press release from the Governor of Guam below:
UPDATE: No MERS here. Enjoy this sunny day in good health.
A release from the Governor of Guam w Contact Julius Santos at 475-9379 or Julius.Santos@Guam.gov
There are no cases of MERS on Guam.
Those spreading false information should be taken to task for causing panic and fear among families and tourists. There was one man, a visitor from South Korea, who was checked and does not have MERS. A red flag went up yesterday when he tried to board a Jeju Airlines flight back to Korea. The island's pandemic alert systems went into place immediately, he and his family were contained, and doctors confirmed he does not have the virus.
As a precaution, doctors are watching this man in quarantine. His family went back to Korea. The man has no symptoms. He is contained, doesn't even have a cold, isn't coughing or sneezing, has no fever, and IS NOT contagious. There is no danger of public exposure.
The government of Guam and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control are working together out of an abundance of caution to keep the people of Guam and all her visitors safe and healthy.
The South Korea government placed him on a watch list because he was treated for a broken finger at a hospital in South Korea where they were treating a MERS patients.
Public Health officials on Guam are working with Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Hawaii, Atlanta and South Korea. Shortly after 11 p.m. yesterday, CDC officials contacted local health officials regarding the tourist. They want to confirm his proximity to the MERS patients at the South Korea hospital where he was treated as an outpatient.
It is important to note that these measures are precautionary and that NO case of the virus has been reported on island.
What you can do to help keep you and your family safe
The public is urged to practice routine precautions that help prevent the spread of any type of respiratory illness, including MERS-CoV:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and help young children do the same;
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people; and
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
When Should Someone See a Health Care Provider?
You should see a healthcare provider if you develop a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula or South Korea. Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about your recent travel.
Related news:
Guam airport Ready for MERS: Agency says it's following CDC guidelines
