Press Release

DH closely monitors first MERS case in the Netherlands

15 May 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 15) closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) confirmed in the Netherlands, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the Dutch health authority, the patient was infected with MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) during a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon return to the Netherlands, he was admitted to a hospital for treatment under isolation. His current condition is stable. Tracing of contacts by the Dutch health authority is ongoing.

This is the first MERS case in the Netherlands.

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.

"The CHP noted the WHO's statement on the Fifth Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV convened by the Director-General on May 13. The Committee indicated that the seriousness of the situation had increased in terms of public health impact, but that there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Although the Committee concluded that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern have not yet been met, the Committee emphasised that its concern about the situation had significantly increased. In particular, the Committee strongly recommended that infection prevention and control measures should be improved and implemented in health-care facilities. The CHP will meet with public and private hospitals to discuss strengthening of infection control measures," a spokesman for the DH said.

"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," the spokesman remarked.

"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 health-care provider before travelling to assess whether it is medically advisable," the spokesman advised.

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 MERS-CoV.

"MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the PHLSB 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 MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. Health-care 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 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 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 markets with camels;
• 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 foods 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 visits to health-care 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 latest news of the WHO (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).