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Press Release

DH closely monitors two additional MERS cases in Qatar

1 November 2014

The Department of Health (DH) is today (November 1) closely monitoring two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Qatar, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the first patient is a man aged 71 with underlying illnesses from Doha who developed symptoms on October 1 during travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He consulted a health facility there on October 7 as his symptoms worsened, and was transferred to a hospital in Doha. He is now in critical condition. He owns a camel barn and has consumed raw camel milk.

The other patient is a man aged 43 also from Doha with onset on October 14. He attended a healthcare facility on October 17 and 18 and was hospitalised on October 20 as his condition deteriorated. He is now in stable condition. He frequently visited a camel barn during incubation period.

To date, 885 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 cases 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:


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 on MERS (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html).



Last Revision Date : 1 Nov 2014