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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) today (October 16) of a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome affecting an 84-year-old man whose respiratory specimens tested negative for the virus.
The patient, with underlying medical conditions, presented with cough with sputum since October 14 and shortness of breath since October 15. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital on October 15 and was subsequently transferred to PMH for further management under isolation. His current condition is stable.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to Israel with his wife from October 3 to 14 and arrived in Hong Kong on October 15. He had no contact history with animals or patients in Israel. His wife has remained asymptomatic so far.
The nasopharyngeal aspirate and sputum specimen of the patient tested negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism at public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at the airport for any suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. 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.
Health-care workers and hospitals are reminded to maintain vigilance against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome 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.
Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop severe acute respiratory infections should be tested for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be obtained for diagnosis when possible. Doctors are reminded that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome 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 journeys and seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell.
As a general precautionary measure, they should also adhere to food safety and environmental hygiene such as avoiding undercooked meats, raw fruit and vegetables unless they have been peeled, and unsafe water. Those returning from the Middle East with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear a face mask, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
Pilgrims visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are reminded that pre-existing major illnesses can increase the likelihood of medical problems, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, during travel. Thus, pilgrims should consult a health-care provider before travelling to review the risk and assess whether making the pilgrimage is medically advisable.
Relevant health advice can be found under "Current Travel Health News" on the website of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/outbreaknews.html).
Members of the public are reminded 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.
The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html) or personal hygiene (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html).
Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:19
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