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Press Release

DH closely monitors additional overseas MERS cases reported to WHO

3 October 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (October 3) closely monitoring 15 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

KSA

According to the WHO, the 15 cases (including four deaths) were reported from August 11 to September 28. The age ranges from 27 to 76 and 14 are men. Among the cases, nine had one or more co-morbidities, four had animal contact or consumed raw camel milk, and five are health-care workers (HCWs). In addition, four previously confirmed cases in June and July died.

The WHO also reported that a previously confirmed patient in Greece died. To date, 853 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 301 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.

Advice for pilgrims

As the annual pilgrimage is underway, the DH reminded pilgrims to consult a health-care provider before travelling to review the risk and assess whether making the pilgrimage is advisable. Persons with underlying illnesses, such as diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe infections for MERS if exposed to the virus. Pilgrims may refer to the website of the DH's Travel Health Service (THS) (This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/travel_special_needs/pilgrims.html) for travel advice.

"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. In addition, travellers are reminded to avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with animals, especially camels, birds, poultry or sick people during travel," a spokesman for the DH urged.

"Scientific studies support the premise that camels serve as the primary source of MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infecting humans. A study further suggested that human MERS-CoV infections could be transmitted through close contact with infected camels," the spokesman explained.

Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism with 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 are tested 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 added.

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 repeat testing should be undertaken when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.

Travellers are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:

The public may visit the pages below 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).



Last Revision Date : 3 Oct 2014