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DH closely monitors additional fatal overseas case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus
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     The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 27) closely monitoring an additional case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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¡@¡@According to the WHO's initial information, the patient is a 73-year-old man from the United Arab Emirates. He was transferred from an Abu Dhabi hospital to Munich, Germany for treatment on March 19. He died on March 26.

     The latest information from the WHO revealed that a male United Kingdom (UK) resident with confirmed novel coronavirus infection (Case 10) reported by the Health Protection Agency of the UK on February 11 this year had passed away.

     The latest global number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus is 17 (including 11 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.

     "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 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:04

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