Other than the WHO statements, there are a number of English websites tracking the South Korean MERS-CoV outbreak, the most updated ones being Avian Flu Diary and the Flutrackers forum. CIDRAP also provides fairly detailed coverage. The case count is now apparently at 35 (as of 3rd June 2015) with 2 deaths, and I have taken the liberty to construct a couple of figures based on the list of cases at Flutrackers and Avian Flu Diary. It is clear that the index case was a “super-spreader” based on the available reports, probably owing to the fact that he had visited a number of healthcare facilities and remained undiagnosed for a considerable period of time. Note that the list of secondary and tertiary cases may not be completely accurate, given that the incubation period of MERS-CoV is only up to two weeks and that various patients (and healthcare staff) appeared to have crossed paths within the hospital.

Cases of MERS-CoV infection in South Korea based on date of confirmation.

Cases of MERS-CoV infection in South Korea based on date of confirmation.

Approximate transmission tree for the South Korean MERS-CoV outbreak. The source of infection for one healthcare worker was not identifiable based on online reports.

Approximate transmission tree for the South Korean MERS-CoV outbreak. The source of infection for one healthcare worker was not identifiable based on online reports.

Given the nature of the virus and the response of the South Korean authorities, I expect the outbreak to be over soon.

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