CRI听力:Low Possibility of MERS Outbreak in China: Authority

Chinese health authorities are moving to quell fears of a possible MERS outbreak in the country, saying the likelihood of a mass outbreak remains low.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new set of statements, noting the virus which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome still has difficulty moving from human to human.

Tan Wenjie with the Chinese CDC says there is still no evidence to suggest the current spread of MERS in South Korea is moving beyond in-close contacts with infected individuals.

"From the information we have obtained, the main transmission of the virus is through close contact in an enclosed environment. There is still no clear evidence supporting the spread of the virus through the air. As such, we are asking people to remain calm. There is no need to panic. Medical staff will have to take proper precautions, such as wearing masks and gloves. But people don't need to be concerned about going to hospitals."

Chinese authorities are asking people who have traveled to the Middle East to report to a hospital if they begin having respiratory issues within two weeks of leaving the region.

The current outbreak of MERS in South Korea, which has left 2 dead and 35 others infected, began after a 68-year old man returned from a business trip to the Middle East last month.

Most of the others who have become infected with the virus were in close contact with the original carrier.

However, two others have since become infected with MERS through contact with victims other than "patient zero."

MERS, a corona virus similar to SARS, surfaced in Saudi Arabia 3-years ago.

It has a mortality rate of around 40-percent.