Differences in MERS Epidemiology in the Middle East and South Korea

Abstract

The majority of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) cases have occurred in the Middle East and South Korea. MERS transmission and severity has shown different patterns in those areas. Viral, host, and environmental factors may be the cause of such differences. The MERS virus in South Korea has exhibited higher genetic variability and mutation rates compared with in the Middle East. Host factors including race, population structure, and health behavior may also relate to the differences in outbreaks. Finally, characteristics of the transmission environment, including factors such as hospital systems and population density, could contribute. This article reviews the factors associated with the different attributes of MERS outbreaks in the two regions.