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Press Release

Fever tourist with travel history tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

25 March 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 25) provided an update on a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome affecting a 61-year-old woman whose respiratory specimen tested negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

The patient, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath upon her arrival in Hong Kong yesterday (March 24). She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day for further management under isolation.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for about one week before coming to Hong Kong. She did not have contact with animals or sick persons during her stay there.

Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

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 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is important, but not all cases can be detected in a reliable and timely manner, especially when the disease is mild or presents atypically. Therefore, health-care 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).



Last Revision Date : 25 March 2014