The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 9) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by Oman, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

     According to the WHO, the patient is a 67-year-old man with underlying illnesses. He developed symptoms on November 18 and was admitted to a hospital on November 20. The patient tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on November 29. He is in stable condition and was discharged from hospital. The patient had a history of exposure to camels in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

     To date, 1 842 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 652 deaths. Of note, 1 626 were confirmed in 10 Middle East countries, with 1 482 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 79 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 16 in Qatar, eight in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain.

     "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," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," the spokesman added.

     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 pages of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the WHO's latest news. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.

Ends/Friday, December 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 10:47

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