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The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 8) closely monitoring an additional case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
According to the WHO, the 83-year-old male patient, with underlying illnesses, became ill on May 27 and died on May 31. The patient is reported from Eastern KSA, where an outbreak at a health-care facility occurred earlier.
This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus to 55, including 31 deaths.
"The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will seek more information on the case from the WHO and the relevant health authority. The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments of this novel infectious disease," a DH spokesman said.
Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected case of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus.
"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 or the affected areas, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman said.
In view of recent clusters reported in health-care facilities, health-care workers and hospitals are reminded to maintain vigilance against novel coronavirus and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, health-care workers and visitors.
Health-care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas who develop severe acute respiratory infections should be tested for novel coronarvirus. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be obtained for diagnosis when possible. Doctors are reminded that novel coronavirus infection should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhoea, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals, poultry or sick people during their journey, and seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell. Those returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas 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 the toilet;
* Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose; and
* Avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry.
Members of the public may visit the CHP's website for more information on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html) or personal hygiene (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html).
Ends/Saturday, June 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:43
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