Press Release
DH closely monitors additional overseas MERS cases
16 May 2014
The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 16) closely monitoring the second case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) confirmed in the Netherlands, as well as 16 additional cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan and Lebanon. A DH spokesman called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.
Second case in the Netherlands
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According to the Dutch health authority, the female patient is a relative of the first confirmed case, a 70-year-old male citizen of the Netherlands. Both patients have underlying medical conditions. They visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between April 26 and May 10. The woman was infected with MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) during the trip to KSA, where she had visited a camel farm. Upon return to the Netherlands, she was admitted to a hospital for treatment under isolation. Her current condition is stable. Tracing of contacts by the Dutch health authority is ongoing.
UAE (14 cases)
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According to the WHO, the patients are residing in Abu Dhabi and are of different nationalities:
- A male Omani aged 51;
- Two male Emiratis aged 30 and 42;
- Three expatriate health-care workers (HCWs) aged 30 to 44;
- Three expatriate hospital employees aged 41 to 68;
- A female administrative officer aged 38 working in a clinic;
- Three expatriates of different occupations aged 34 to 61; and
- A male farm employee aged 59.
Jordan (one case)
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The WHO's information revealed that this male Jordanian HCW, aged 50, had history of contact with two laboratory-confirmed MERS patients.
Lebanon (one case)
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It was reported to the WHO that the male Lebanese HCW, aged 60, had travelled to the UAE five weeks prior to symptom onset, and to Jeddah of the KSA eight weeks prior to symptom onset where he had visited one of the hospitals with an upsurge of MERS cases. This is the first MERS case in Lebanon.
Excluding the second case in the Netherlands, 572 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally to date, including 173 deaths. This global total also includes 58 additional cases reported to the WHO by the KSA officially between May 5 and 9.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH is seeking more information on the cases from the 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 has met with representatives from private and public hospitals and issued letters to doctors and hospitals today to draw their attention to the latest situation of MERS and the importance of strict adherence to infection control measures.
"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 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 MERS-CoV 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 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 repeated 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).