U.S. Forces Korea commander, Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti has directed service members, civilians, and their families to contact their chain of command and healthcare providers prior to completing any off-installation hospital referrals within the Republic of Korea.

The commander also directed first-line military leaders to conduct unit screenings for all individuals to ensure awareness of precautionary measures.

"We continue to closely monitor the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome outbreak within the Republic of Korea and will ensure that our service members, employees and their families have the most up-to-date information on the developing situation," Gen. Scaparrotti said. "We are ensuring that our personnel are provided the necessary preventive and cautionary measures prior to seeking medical care here in Korea."

USFK will also screen personnel who are scheduled to travel off of the peninsula.

USFK continues to work with the ROK government and health officials on the developing MERS outbreak. MERS is a serious respiratory disease with common symptoms in patients that include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. Public health authorities in Korea are working to contain a recent outbreak that has affected numerous hospitals and caused some deaths.

For the most current MERS information, please go to USFK.mil and listen to AFN radio and television.