17 October 2014
The Department of Health (DH) is today (October 17) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.
According to the WHO, seven new cases (including one death) were reported by the KSA between September 29 and October 11. The ages range from 50 to 77 and all are men. They had onsets of symptoms between September 17 and October 3.
Among the cases, six had underlying illnesses, five had possible or frequent animal contact or consumed raw camel milk/products, and one resided in an area with a heavy presence of camel farms.
In addition, four previously confirmed cases died.
Following a retrospective review of laboratory records, the KSA also reported 19 additional cases of MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection occurring between August 2013 and May 2014, including 11 deaths. The ages range from 27 to 89 and 13 are men. Two of the reported cases were health-care workers (HCWs). The WHO concluded that the disease pattern and risk assessment remained unchanged.
To date, 877 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 317 deaths.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH is seeking more information on the cases from the WHO and the relevant health authorities. The CHP will remain vigilant and work closely with the WHO and overseas and neighbouring health authorities to monitor the latest developments.
As the annual pilgrimage is under way, the DH reminded pilgrims to consult a health-care provider before travelling to review the risk and assess whether making the pilgrimage is advisable. Persons with underlying illnesses, such as diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe infections of MERS if exposed to the virus. Pilgrims may refer to the website of the DH's Travel Health Service ( www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/travel_special_needs/pilgrims.html ) for travel advice.
"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. In addition, travellers are reminded to avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel," a spokesman for the DH said.
"Scientific studies have supported the premise that camels served as the primary source of MERS-CoV infecting humans. A study further suggested that human MERS-CoV infections could be transmitted through close contact with infected camels," the spokesman added.
Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.
"MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP is capable of detecting the virus. No human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
"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 added.
Early identification of MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. 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. HCWs should arrange MERS-CoV testing for them. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should be tested when possible and repeat testing should be undertaken when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.
Travellers are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:
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 WHO ( 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 on MERS ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html ).