Premier Mao Chi-kuo today ordered health authorities to step up vigilance against the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) after several cases surfaced in neighboring South Korea recently.
"So far the confirmed cases of infection have mostly been found in the Middle East, but the disease will likely spread through international travel," he said after hearing the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW) report on the situation in South Korea and the Middle East.
The premier instructed the MOHW to continue monitoring the epidemic while also reinforcing such work as risk assessment, border checks and quarantine, pathogen testing, health care system preparations, risk communication and international cooperation.
The MOHW was also directed to keep the public informed of the latest developments to increase their understanding and prevent unnecessary panic. Response measures should also be adjusted according to the situation so as to safeguard the nation's health, the premier added.