Hong Sun Gwang, vice-president of the State Sanitary Inspection Board under the Ministry of Public Health, told KCNA:

MERS is very similar in symptoms to SARS (Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

This malignant disease, whose mortality is higher than SARS, is now on a rapid diffusion in south Korea, spreading to Thailand and other countries and parts of Asia.

Under such situation, strict steps are being taken to prevent any inroad of MERS into the country. They include the inspection and quarantine at airports, harbors and border areas.

Public health organs at all levels are urged to conduct the intensive hygienic information service and medical inspection among citizens. In particular, strict inspection is carried out among travelers from the Middle East and those showing respiratory troubles and symptoms of influenza.