22 August 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 22) closely monitoring 19 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.
According to the WHO, the patients comprise twelve males and seven females aged from two to 98 (median age: 63). Among them, 15 are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of the KSA, Riyadh; 14 have underlying illnesses; three are contacts of previously confirmed patients and two are healthcare workers. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.
To date, 1 432 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 507 deaths. Of note, 1 219 were confirmed in nine Middle East countries, including 1 101 in the KSA, 76 in the United Arab Emirates, 13 in Qatar, twelve in Jordan, six each in Iran and Oman, three in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon and Yemen.
"Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," a spokesman for the CHP advised.
"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," the spokesman added.
Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the pages below 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 ).