The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 29) closely monitoring seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

     "Travellers to the Middle East, particularly in the summer vacation, 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.

     Among the six male and one female patients aged from 22 to 85, four had underlying illnesses. Three (including one healthcare worker) had contact with confirmed MERS cases and they were involved in two nosocomial clusters.

     In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

     To date, 2 036 cases have been reported to the WHO, with at least 710 deaths. There have been 1 820 cases in 10 Middle East countries including 1 669 in the KSA, 83 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, eight in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain.

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

Ends/Thursday, June 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:55

NNNN