****************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 5) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea.
According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, the patient is a family member of a confirmed case who had visited Samsung Medical Centre.
To date, 185 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea (including 33 deaths). In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.
"We again urge the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"The public should avoid unnecessary travel to Korea, in particular those with chronic illnesses. Travellers in Korea and the Middle East should avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry," the spokesman advised.
The CHP will maintain close communication with the World Health Organization and the health authority of Korea. Members of the public and the healthcare sector should heighten vigilance and stay alert to the latest situation.
Ends/Sunday, July 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:10
NNNN
