The simplest explanation for the "superspreading event," as scientists call this
type of spread, is a lapse in infection control measures at the hospital, Ben E
mbarek says. The SARS virus, which is distantly related to MERS, is known to hav e spread widely in 2003 when tubes were placed in patients' airways for mechanic al ventilation, a procedure that can cause the virus to become aerosolized. Whet her Korea's first patient was intubated is unclear. We dont really know what happene d during those 3 days, Ben Embarek says.
The simplest explanation ,
Other explanations are being looked at as well. The patient could be carrying a slightly different strain of the virus, or Koreans may be more susceptible to th e disease than other populations, Ben Embarek says.