*********************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) is today (November 16) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar respectively.
According to the WHO, the patient reported from the United Arab Emirates is a national of Oman. He is 75 years old, with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on October 1, was hospitalised on October 12 and died on November 10.
The patient from Qatar is a 61-year-old man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on November 4, and was hospitalised on November 7. He is in critical condition. Preliminary epidemiological investigation indicates that the patient had exposure to farms where livestock are kept.
Additionally, a previously laboratory-confirmed case from Oman has died.
This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 155, including 66 deaths.
"The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will seek more information on the cases from the WHO and the relevant health authority. The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments of this disease," a spokesman for the DH remarked.
Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and 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 reiterated.
"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.
Healthcare 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, healthcare 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. A majority of patients reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea has been commonly reported and severe complications include renal
failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome with shock. Doctors are reminded that severely immunocompromised patients might present with
atypical signs and symptoms.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals, poultry or sick people during travel and seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell.
As a general precautionary measure, they should also adhere to food safety and environmental hygiene practices such as avoiding undercooked meats, raw fruits and vegetables, unless they have been peeled, and unsafe water. Those returning from the Middle East with respiratory symptoms are advised
to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
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 also 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) and
personal hygiene (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html).
Ends/Saturday, November 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:29
NNNN