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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today (April 4) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.
The 37-year-old woman, with good past health, presented with fever, headache and shortness of breath symptoms since April 1. She is now isolated in QEH. Her current condition is stable.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to Turkey and Dubai from March 24 to 31.
Her chest X-ray showed left lower lobe pneumonia. Respiratory specimens were taken and laboratory test results are expected to be available tomorrow (April 5).
"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.
The spokesman advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to pay attention to personal hygiene, especially wash hands:
* Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
* Before eating or handling food;
* After using the toilets; and
* After sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose.
For more information on personal hygiene, members of the public may visit the CHP's website:
www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html .
Ends/Thursday, April 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:40
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