Press Release

Fever patient tested negative for novel coronavirus

10 April 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) today (April 10) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.

The 50-year-old woman, with good past health, presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since April 8. She was admitted to the isolation ward of TKOH today and her current condition is stable.

Investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient took transit via Dubai to and from Tunisia and stayed there from March 29 to April 5. She returned to Hong Kong on April 5.

Her chest X-ray was clear. Preliminary laboratory test result today for the patient's respiratory specimens showed negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease.

"The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.

"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.

"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East and the affected areas, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman reiterated.

Travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.

The spokesman reminded members of the public to take heed of personal hygiene:

• Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
• Wash hands before eating or handling food;
• Wash hands after using a toilet;
• Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose; and
• Avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry.

The public may visit the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html) for more information on personal hygiene.