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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 11) reported the outstanding test results of suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The 16 cases pending test results yesterday (June 10) tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
"Regarding the latest number of suspected cases reported in the past 24 hours and their preliminary test results, we will update the public in due course," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the boundary control points for any suspected cases of MERS," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with MERS-CoV has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
The spokesman reiterated that the Government attaches great concern to the spreading rumours on MERS and appealed to members of the public not to divert their attention to these totally unfounded rumours.
"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on suspected cases of MERS. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to Korea and the affected areas in the Middle East, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible once the laboratory test results are available," the spokesman said.
He reminded members of the public to remain vigilant in maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene. Travellers returning from MERS affected countries or areas with fever or respiratory symptoms should wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
Ends/Thursday, June 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:23
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