According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), South Korea reported its first confirmed case of Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) on May 20. The initial case was a businessman who had returned from a trip to the Middle East.

As of June 12, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 126 confirmed cases (125 in Korea and 1 now in China) with 11 deaths. More than 3,600 contacts have been identified and are being monitored in an effort to contain the spread.

This is the first major outbreak of this little-known virus outside of the Arabian peninsula. Globally, the WHO has reported 1,227 confirmed cases with 449 confirmed deaths since September 2012.

MERS is a respiratory virus that was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Most of the recent outbreaks have been isolated to the Arabian Peninsula, with some travel-associated cases reported globally. Two travel-related cases were confirmed in the United States in May 2014, with no reported transmissions.

MERS is a strain of the coronavirus, and the understanding of this emerging virus is limited and evolving. Like other coronaviruses, it is thought to spread from infected person's respiratory secretions. However, according to the CDC, the exact way the virus spreads is "not currently well understood." It is know to be a zoonotic virus, and health officials believe humans can be infected through direct or indirect contact with camels in the Middle East.

Typically, the signs and symptoms include fever, cough and possibly shortness of breath, often with the findings of pneumonia. The illness appears to be more severe in patients with weakened immune systems, the elderly and those with chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Severe illness has led to respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive-care support. Considering the vague symptoms, it is often difficult to rapidly identify patients. Travel to the Arabian Peninsula and Korea or contact with anyone who has recently traveled to these areas should heighten the suspicion when attempting to diagnose.

As with the outbreaks in Saudi Arabia, most of the contracted cases in South Korea have been associated with healthcare facility contact. Unfortunately, the initial Korean patient had visited several health centers for treatment of his nagging cough and fever, leaving a trail of infection behind.

In an extraordinary attempt to contain the virus in South Korea, two hospitals have sealed off with at least 133 people, including patients and staff all inside. They will quarantine for the next 11 days in an attempt to contain the spread.

The one isolated case in China is attributed to a Korean man who traveled to China despite suggestions from health officials to remain in home quarantine.

One lesson learned from this outbreak and the recent Ebola outbreak in the U.S. is that the spread of any disease is just an airplane ride away from anyone's doorstep. With an ever-expanding global community, isolated outbreaks do not remain isolated for long.

Although no major travel restriction have been issued by any governments, it is still imperative for healthcare providers to stay vigilant and educated on global health threats.

For more information for healthcare providers, the CDC has a dedicated page with guidance and information. But as more is learned about the emerging virus, be wise and continue to use good infection-control practices, especially washing your hands.