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Press Release

Ten additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH

16 April 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 16) closely monitoring a cluster of 10 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates.

According to the WHO, they are all healthcare workers (HCWs) in Abu Dhabi and were identified following contact tracing of a previously confirmed patient from Abu Dhabi who died on April 10. All of them are now in stable condition. They include:

  • A woman aged 37 with no reported underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with mild illness;
  • A man aged 41 with no underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9;
  • A woman aged 43 with underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with mild illness;
  • A man aged 33 with no underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with mild illness;
  • A man aged 46 with underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with mild illness;
  • A man aged 48 with underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with pneumonia symptoms;
  • A man aged 37 with no underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 9 with mild illness;
  • An asymptomatic man aged 43 with no underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 10;
  • An asymptomatic man aged 27 with underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 10; and
  • An asymptomatic man aged 43 with no underlying illnesses who was hospitalised on April 10.

Their family and healthcare contacts are now being followed up.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 238, including 92 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 said.

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 added.

"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 said.

Early identification of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is important, but not all cases can be reliably detected in a timely manner, especially when a case is mild or atypical. HCWs and hospitals are therefore reminded to maintain vigilance against the disease and adhere to strict infection control measures consistently while handling suspected or confirmed cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, HCWs or visitors. Regular education and training in infection prevention and 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 and repeat testing should be done when the clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

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 farms or barns.

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:

  • 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 ).

16 Apr 2014