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The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 13) closely monitoring an additional fatal case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with novel coronavirus involving a 39-year-old man reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The patient developed symtoms on February 24. He was hospitalised on February 28 and subsequently passed away on March 2. Preliminary investigation by the MoH of the KSA revealed that he had no contact with previously reported cases of novel coronavirus infection. Other potential exposures are under investigation.
This latest case brings the global total number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus to 15 (including nine deaths), of which eight are from the KSA (including six deaths).
"In view of the latest development, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will seek more information on this case from the WHO and relevant health authorities. The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and other overseas health authorities to monitor the latest development of this novel infectious disease," a DH spokesman said.
Locally, 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.
Additionally, the Controller of CHP, Dr Leung Ting-hung, has chaired the second inter-departmental meeting today to brief various government departments on the latest situation of this infection as well as to remind them to prepare for novel coronavirus infection and other novel infectious diseases.
"No human infection with this virus has so far been identified 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 added.
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, especially washing hands:
* 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 (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html) for more information on personal hygiene.
Ends/Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:36
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