The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is concerned over the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), said ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh.

A Republic of Korean worker sprays antiseptic solution as a precaution against MERS in Seoul on June 12 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

ASEAN is taking initiatives on preparedness in responding to the disease, he added.

Healthcare experts from ASEAN, the World Health Organisation (WHO), China and Japan took part in a video conference on June 22 to share information and practices to handle the outbreak.

At the conference, attendees stressed the significance of information updates and practice exchanges among countries in the region to help address MERs-CoV.

In addition, it is necessary to intensify public health monitoring and raise awareness of the disease’s risks.

All ASEAN member states have taken precautionary measures against MERs-CoV, including tighter supervision over travelling, and shared practices from dealing with the SARS outbreak and Ebola risk previously.

The ASEAN Secretariat has posted information and frequently asked questions regarding MERs-CoV on its website.

(Source: VNA)