Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, also known as MERS, is a new respiratory disease caused by the MERS- coronavirus, which is identified as a SARS-like virus. It seriously damages our respiratory system and results in respiratory illness. Research has shown that MERS patients may develop various symptoms. The most common symptoms of all are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include myalgia, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, this disease is particularly deadly to older adults with pre-existing health problems. The first confirmed case of MERS was identified in Saudi Arabia in June 2012. On May 20, 2015, South Korea also confirmed its first case. Ever since then, the MERS outbreak has been spreading through South Korea and many South Koreans have been infected. All the infected patients were isolated in separate facilities in hospitals. In addition, because MERS is contagious, thousands of people who were into contact with infected patients were placed under quarantine and received medical tests. As of June 2015, there have been more than 120 infected patients and 14 deaths. The MERS outbreak has a great impact on many domestic and international activities. For example, President Park Geun-hye of South Korea decided to reschedule her planned visit to the United States in order to guide their country to fight MERS and alleviate the public fear over this disease. Thousands of schools in South Korea were also temporarily shut down in order to contain the spread. Because the majority of the confirmed cases were linked to hospitals, many people were worried about going to hospitals. Several hospitals were closed down, with all medical staff, patients and visitors being quarantined until they were medically cleared. Several countries have even issued an alert against travel to South Korea during the MERS outbreak, which has considerably hurt South Korea’s economy. As of June 2015, there is no cure for MERS. Medical experts do not understand the source and transmission of the MERS virus clearly enough. Nevertheless, experts and doctors recommend that people enhance their personal hygiene and prevent the spread of viruses and germs by means of three preventive measures: using face masks, washing hands and gargling. They are the first line of defense against the disease. It is hoped that raising the hygiene awareness of the public can help reduce the number of MERS patients and put the disease under control.