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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received today (May 15) notification from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) of a suspected case of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus affecting a 44-year-old woman whose respiratory specimen tested negative for the virus.
The patient, who travelled to Dubai from May 10 to 13, was found to be feverish when she sought medical attention at a private hospital last night (May 14). She was subsequently referred to QEH and is currently admitted to the isolation ward.
Her chest X-ray was clear and she has been in stable condition all along. Initial enquiries revealed that she had no contact with patients nor animals during her stay in Dubai.
Preliminary laboratory testing on the patient's nasopharyngeal swab by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP was 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 said.
"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 said.
Travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas 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 the toilet;
* Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose; and
* Avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry.
Members of the public may visit the CHP's website for more information on Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html) or
personal hygiene (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html).
Ends/Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:07
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