The recent outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in South Korea will have no bearing on the upcoming Summer Universiade to take place in the country, the event's international organizers said Sunday.

Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul, and its satellite towns will host the multisport competition for university athletes from July 3 to 14. As the government struggles to contain the virus that has claimed five lives and forced more than 1,800 others to be quarantined, several sporting and cultural events across the nation have been postponed or canceled.

In a statement, the International University Sports Federation dispelled concerns that MERS could adversely affect the Universiade.

"The government of the Republic of Korea is taking very stringent precautions to avoid any further spread of this virus," read the statement, released under Lawrence D. Rink, head of the FISU's Medical Committee.

"We anticipate that the MERS outbreak, which has really been quite limited will not have any effect on the games. I can assure you that we are watching this closely."

The statement also noted that the World Health Organization is working with scientists and doctors in South Korea.

"WHO is not recommending any entry screening and have not recommended any application of travel or trade restrictions," it added. "The FISU Medical Committee, in coordination with the Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee, has set forth stringent protocols regarding reporting of symptoms, reporting of contacts, isolation and quarantine techniques. We have dealt with many viral outbreaks, such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), in the past, and we have received international recognition for the way we have dealt with these issues."

The local organizing committee in Gwangju said 10,926 athletes and officials from 115 countries signed up for the Universiade by the registration deadline last Wednesday, though countries can still commit to the event after the deadline. In March, 13,336 athletes and officials from 141 countries had submitted their applications.

The committee said 236 from five nations in the Middle East have signed up so far, including 58 from Iran, 41 from Jordan and 78 from Lebanon. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Qatar have not yet registered. (Yonhap)