Press Release

DH closely monitors first MERS case in Turkey

25 October 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (October 25) closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Turkey, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the male Turkish patient aged 42 worked in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He developed symptoms on September 25 and sought medical care in the KSA until his condition deteriorated and he returned to Hatay, Turkey by direct flight on October 6. He was then hospitalised and subsequently died on October 11.

Investigations on the patient's flight contacts, cabin crew, healthcare and other contacts are underway.

To date, 883 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 319 deaths.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH is seeking more information on the case from the WHO and the relevant health authorities. The CHP will remain vigilant and work closely with the WHO as well as 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. 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 have supported the premise that camels served 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 boundary control points 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 said.

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 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:

• 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 consume raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
• Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
• Avoid visits to 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 pages below for more information and health advice:

• The CHP's MERS page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html);
• The MERS page of the DH's Travel Health Service (This link will open in a new windowwww.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html); and
• The WHO's latest news (This link will open in a new windowwww.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en).

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