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Four additional overseas cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus closely monitored by DH
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     The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 15) closely monitoring four additional cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

     According to the WHO, the four patients, all with multiple underlying illnesses, include three men and one woman aged 48 to 81.

     To date, a total of 19 patients have been reported under the outbreak since the beginning of May, primarily linked to a healthcare facility in Eastern KSA.

     This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus to 38.

     "The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of DH will seek more information on the cases from the WHO and the relevant health authority. The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments 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 case of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus.

     "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.

     In view of the latest development, healthcare providers are advised to be vigilant against recent travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas who develop severe acute respiratory infections. Doctors are reminded that novel coronavirus infection should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms in patients who are significantly immunocompromised. 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 17:47

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