8 February 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification from Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) today (February 8) of a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome affecting a 54-year-old man.
The patient, with good past health, presented with fever, cough and runny nose since February 5. He was admitted to TKOH today for further management under isolation. He is now afebrile and stable.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Dubai with his wife from January 28 to February 3. He rode camel during travel on February 1. He had no other contact with animals nor patients in Dubai.
His wife who travelled with him had dizziness and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms after she was back to Hong Kong. She was admitted to TKOH and discharged on February 6.
The patient's respiratory specimens will be taken for preliminary laboratory tests by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
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 remarked.
"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 stressed.
Early identification of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is important, but not all the cases could be reliably and timely detected, especially when disease is mild or presents atypically. Therefore, healthcare workers (HCWs) 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, HCWs and visitors. Regular education and training for infection control should also be provided to all HCWs.
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.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals, poultry or sick people during travel and seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell. They should also wash hands regularly before and after touching animals when visiting a farm or a barn.
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 travel health advice can be found on the website of the DH's Travel Health Service ( www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html ).
Members of the public are also reminded to take heed of personal hygiene:
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 ).