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Press Release

DH closely monitors two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Malaysia and the Philippines

17 April 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 17) closely monitoring a death case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Malaysia as well as a case in the Philippines, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

Malaysia (one death case)
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According to the health authority of Malaysia, the male patient, aged 54, returned from Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 29. He developed fever, cough and shortness of breath around April 8 and 9. He was admitted to a local hospital for treatment on April 10 but his condition deteriorated and he died on April 13. Contact tracing and medical surveillance are under way.

This is the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Malaysia and also the first case in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines (one case)
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The health authority of the Philippines revealed that the patient was a male health-care worker (HCW). He had contact with a previously confirmed fatal patient in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His nasal swab specimen tested positive for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in the UAE. He returned from the UAE on April 15 and remained asymptomatic. He and his contacts have been put under quarantine.

This is the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the Philippines.

Excluding the above two cases, to date, 238 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) globally, including 92 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," a spokesman for the DH said.

"We will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation, and arrange training and health talks to HCWs on infection control principles and practices against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome," the spokesman added.

"As pre-existing major illnesses can increase the likelihood of medical problems, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, during travel, in view of recent pilgrimage activities, pilgrims should consult a health-care provider before travelling to assess whether it is medically advisable," the spokesman said.

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 test negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

"Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch 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 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 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 reveal their travel history. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus should be tested for. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be tested when possible and repeat testing should be done when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:

The public may visit the CHP's Middle East Respiratory Syndrome page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html), the DH's Travel Health Service (This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html) or the WHO's latest news (This link will open in a new windowwww.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/) for more information and health advice.



Last Revision Date : 17 April 2014