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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) today (March 24) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.
The four-year-old girl, with good past health, presented with fever and headache since March 22 and is currently being isolated in QMH. Her condition is stable.
Investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient is a tourist from Qatar. She travelled with her parents from Qatar to Hong Kong on March 22. Her parents are asymptomatic.
Her chest X-ray was clear. Preliminary laboratory test result today for the patient's respiratory specimens showed negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease by QMH but positive for adenovirus.
???? "The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
???? "No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
???? "We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East and the affected areas, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman reiterated.
???? Travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
???? The spokesman reminded members of the public to take heed of personal hygiene:
* Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
* Wash hands before eating or handling food;
* Wash hands after using a toilet;
* Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose; and
* Avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry.
???? The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html) for more information on personal hygiene.
Ends/Sunday, March 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:32
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