Press Release

DH closely monitors first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the United States

3 May 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 3) closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the United States (US), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health England, the patient on April 24 travelled from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to London, the United Kingdom (UK) by British Airways Flight 262, then from London to Chicago, the US by American Airlines Flight 99. The patient then took a bus from Chicago to Indiana. The patient developed shortness of breath, coughing and fever on April 27. The patient was admitted to a local hospital for treatment in stable condition on April 28 and was laboratory confirmed on May 2. The health authorities in the UK and the US are tracing the contacts who were in above two flights.

This is the first case of MERS in the US.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH is seeking more information on the case from the World Health Organization (WHO) and 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.

"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 said.

"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 added.

Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism involving public and private hospitals, practising doctors and at the airport is firmly in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

"MERS 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 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. 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 reveal their travel history. MERS-CoV should be tested for. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be diagnosed 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 visiting 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 (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.

Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice against MERS (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html).