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The Department of Health (DH) is today (February 27) closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.
Additional cases
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According to the WHO, the cases include:
* A male patient aged 58 with no exposure to risk factors during the incubation period (IP);
* A male patient aged 46 hospitalised in the same ward and managed by the same health-care workers (HCWs) as three previously confirmed patients;
* A male patient aged 51 with underlying illnesses and consumption of raw camel milk during the IP; and
* A female patient, aged 58 and hospitalised in the same ward and managed by the same HCW as a previously confirmed patient, who died.
In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.
To date, 1 030 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 381 deaths.
Letters to doctors and hospitals
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH has issued letters to doctors and hospitals to provide updates on the latest situation and reinforce the necessary clinical precautions on infection control.
"MERS cases have been rising significantly in February as 61 have been reported so far including the above and the WHO noted a surge in the KSA in the past few weeks. In 2014, there was a huge upsurge in April and May in the KSA and the United Arab Emirates. In the coming months, a seasonal upsurge in the Middle East in spring is possible. Cases exported to other areas by travellers, migrant workers or pilgrims are also likely. The health-care sector and the public should pay special attention," a spokesman for the DH said.
The CHP is seeking more information on the cases from the WHO and the relevant health authority, and will remain vigilant and work closely with the WHO as well as overseas and neighbouring health authorities to monitor the latest developments.
"We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East not to arrange camel rides and activities involving camel contact, which may increase the risk of infection. Travellers should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel," the spokesman said.
"Scientific studies support the premise that camels serve as the primary source of MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infecting humans. A study further suggested that human MERS-CoV infections could be transmitted through close contact with infected camels," the spokesman added.
Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.
"MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch is capable of detecting the virus. No human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
"The Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman added.
Early identification of MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. HCWs should maintain vigilance and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected or confirmed cases to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, HCWs or visitors. Regular education should be provided.
Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop respiratory symptoms should wear face masks, seek medical attention and report their travel history to the doctor. HCWs should arrange MERS-CoV testing for them. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should be tested when possible and repeat testing should be undertaken when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.
Travellers are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:
* Avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels;
* Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel;
* Wash hands regularly before and after touching animals in case of visits to farms or barns;
* Do not consume raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
* Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
* Avoid visits to health-care settings with MERS patients;
* Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; and
* Wash hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet.
The public may visit the pages below for more information and health advice:
* The CHP's MERS page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html);
* The MERS page of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html);
* The CHP Facebook Page (fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection);
* The CHP YouTube Channel (youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel); and
* The latest news of the World Health Organization (www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en).
Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html).
Ends/Friday, February 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:44
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