USFJ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

USFJ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

USFJ is providing general information via command information channels to help educate our personnel and families in light of confirmed cases of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in South Korea. It is important to note that NO U.S. service members, civilians, contractors or dependents in Japan have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having been exposed to MERS.

Our medical and public health experts rate the risk of exposure to MERS as low. However, USFJ is always concerned about the health and safety of our service members, civilians and families. We want to make sure our personnel and families have the latest information.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Watch Level 1 for the Republic of Korea, which means to “practice usual precautions” that are similar to preventing the flu or common cold. The CDC routinely advises that people help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking the following everyday preventive actions:

--Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same.

 --If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 --Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.

 --Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

 --Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.

 --Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.

Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website for more information on healthy travel: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/mers-republic-of-korea 

We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update our USFJ community as necessary. Thank you!