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Repeated tests definitely exclude first case of MERS in Slovakia

Xinhua, June 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The results of repeated tests on samples from the man from South Korea excluded the suspected first case of Middle East Respiratory Disease (MERS) in Slovakia, Slovak Health Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.

"We can confirm that the control examination of samples has been completed and the results are negative," ministry spokesman Peter Bubla said.

This result also means that 35 citizens of South Korea isolated in Hotel Fram in Zilina in the Northern Slovakia could leave the hotel.

"Regional hygienist in Zilina revoke the quarantine and the other measures taken and the Korean guests are allowed to leave the hotel," added Bubla.

Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Korean remains in University Hospital in Bratislava.

"He's stable, gastroenterological problems have subsided, respiratory remained and is hospitalised in the separate room. We will continue treatment according to the results," hospital spokeswoman Petra Stano Matasovska said.

The foreigner was transported from Zilina to Bratislava's University Hospital on Saturday with symptoms of MERS. He was transported in an ambulance accompanied by the police. The hotel was closed down and its visitors and staff put under quarantine. His samples sent to labs in Prague.

"Three out of the four samples that were tested in a laboratory in Prague were negative, and one was at the boundary level, but it wasn't positive," announced Bubla on Sunday. Despite these results, it was necessary to repeat the tests according to valid epidemiologic regulations.

MERS is a viral respiratory illness that belongs to the family of coronaviruses. Symptoms are similar to those of flu and lead to gradual kidney failure and severe pneumonia. The illness is transmitted through the air and by close contact with those infected. Endit