Suspected case tests negative for MERS-CoV
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The patient tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
The case is detailed below:
| Sex | Male |
| Age | 38 |
| Affected area involved | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) |
| Hospital | Princess Margaret Hospital |
| Condition | Stable |
| MERS-CoV preliminary test result | Negative |
"Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.
As the Hajj pilgrimage will begin in September, pilgrims visiting Mecca, the KSA, should be vigilant against MERS. Those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe infections if they are exposed to MERS Coronavirus. Pilgrims should hence consult healthcare providers before travel to review the risk and assess whether pilgrimage is advisable.
Pilgrims visiting Mecca may refer to the DH's advice or that from the Ministry of Health of the KSA.
Locally, the DH's surveillance with public and private hospitals and practising doctors as well as at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.
Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the following pages for more information and health advice: the MERS page of the CHP and the DH's Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization's latest news. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.
Ends/Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:12
Issued at HKT 18:12
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