Suspected cases test negative for MERS-CoV
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The case notified yesterday (March 27) tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) upon preliminary testing, while the new case reported today is detailed below:
| Sex | Male |
| Age | Four-month-old |
| Affected area involved | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Hospital | Queen Elizabeth 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-CoV," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and 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 MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization'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/Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:11
Issued at HKT 18:11
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