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The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case due to infection with the novel coronavirus confirmed by the Health Protection Agency of the United Kingdom (UK). The new case involved a UK resident who had recently travelled to the Middle East and Pakistan.
The patient is receiving intensive care treatment in a Manchester hospital. This latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases globally to 10, of which two have diagnosed in the UK.
A DH spokesman said, "The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease.
"In addition, the CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the World Health Organization and other overseas health authorities to monitor the latest development of this novel infectious disease.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong."
The spokesman advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus affected countries with respiratory symptoms should wear a facial mask and seek medical attention and reveal the travel history to the doctor.
Ends/Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:48
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