13 May 2013
Representatives from the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) met today (May 13) to review the latest global situation of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus in view of the occurrence of a 15-people outbreak in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) associated with a health-care facility and a possible nosocomial transmission in France.
According to the latest information, a global total of 34 confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus have been recorded, including 20 deaths. So far, all cases recorded outside the Arabian Peninsula and its neighbouring countries were either imported or imported-related infections originating from the Arabian Peninsula and its neighbouring countries.
So far, three clusters among close contacts of the laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded, comprising two in KSA in October 2012 and February 2013 and one in the United Kingodm in February 2013. Each cluster affected two to three persons.
Three clusters in health-care facilities were also identified, comprising one in Jordan occurred in April 2012, which was retrospectively identified, one in KSA with 15 persons affected so far and a recent one in France with two persons affected by this time.
Speaking at a media session after the meeting, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Leung Ting-hung, expressed concern on the latest global development of the disease.
Dr Leung said, “These outbreaks illustrated the potential of novel coronavirus to spread through health care facilities and close contacts. However, there is so far no evidence that this virus has the capacity to sustain generalized transmission in communities. The outbreak in the health-care facility in KSA suggested that patients with multiple comorbidities in health-care facilities may have had increased susceptibility to infection or severe disease”
“The reservoir, mode of transmission and the extent of infection in the community are still being investigated by WHO and relevant health authorities,” Dr Leung said, adding that the CHP will closely monitor the developments on novel coronavirus infection and assess their impact to Hong Kong.
He advised health care workers as well as public and private hospitals to maintain vigilance against novel coronovirus infection, especially adhering to strict infection control practices when handling suspected cases.
Also speaking at the media session, the Associate Consultant of the Chief Infection Control Officer Office of the HA, Dr Vivien Chuang, added, “The Authority has adopted the ‘early notification, early isolation and early detection’ strategy in response to Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus. The Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals will screen patients based on FTOCC (Fever, Travel, Occupation, Contact and Clustering) criteria. Any patients who meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria will be placed in negative pressure room with mask on while waiting for further clinical assessment. Full Personal Protective Equipment should be worn for all staff in handling the suspected cases, including N95 respirator, eye protection, gown and gloves.”
“The CHP will also be notified immediately and specimens will be collected and sent for rapid test with the result available within 24 hours. Suspected and confirmed cases would be isolated in negative pressure room with en suite facility,” Dr Chuang remarked.
No human infection with this virus has so far been identified in Hong Kong
Travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
The spokesman reminded the public to take heed of personal hygiene, especially washing hands:
The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html ) or personal hygiene ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html ).