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Press Release

Two patients with respiratory symptoms and travel history under CHP investigation

3 May 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 3) received notifications respectively from St Paul's Hospital (SPH) and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) of suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) affecting a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman.

The male patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and muscle pain since yesterday (May 2). He attended SPH's outpatient clinic today and was transferred to PYNEH for treatment under isolation. He is now in stable condition.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Doha, Qatar for work from April 23 to 25, during which he had no contact with animals or patients and did not visit healthcare facilities there. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The female patient presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since April 27. She was admitted to PYNEH for treatment under isolation today. She is now in stable condition.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had joined a cruise tour to Europe and Mediterranean with her family from April 18 to 27. Two flights in her trip transited at Doha where she had no contact with animals or patients.

Her mother and husband had influenza symptoms recently. They had sought medical consultation and are in stable condition. The other travel collateral has remained asymptomatic.

The respiratory specimens of the two patients have been taken and will be sent for preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).

"We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East not to arrange camel rides and activities involving camel contact which may increase the risk of infection," a spokesman for the DH remarked.

"As pre-existing major illnesses can increase the likelihood of medical problems, including MERS, during travel, in view of recent pilgrimage activities, pilgrims should consult a healthcare provider before travelling to assess whether it is medically advisable," the spokesman advised.

Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and at the airport is well in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens are tested negative for MERS-CoV.

"MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the PHLSB is capable of detecting the virus. No human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.

"The Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information. 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 remarked.

Early identification of MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. Healthcare workers (HCWs) should maintain vigilance and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected or confirmed cases to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, HCWs or visitors. Regular education should be provided.

Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop respiratory symptoms should wear face masks, seek medical attention and report their travel history to the doctor. Healthcare workers should arrange testing for MERS-CoV for them. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be obtained when
possible and repeat testing should be done when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.

Travellers are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:

  • Avoid going to farms, barns or camel markets;
  • Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds,poultry or sick people during travel;
  • Wash hands regularly before and after touching animals in case of visits to farms or barns;
  • Do not drink raw milk, or consume food which may be contaminated by animal secretions or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
  • Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
  • Avoid visit to healthcare settings with MERS patients;
  • Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; and
  • Wash hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet.

The public may visit the CHP's MERS page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html ), the DH's Travel Health Service ( www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html ) or the latest news of the World Health Organization ( www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/ ) for more information and health advice.

Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice against MERS ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html ).

3 May 2014