************************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 16) closely monitoring two 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 two patients are health-care workers who were exposed to patients confirmed with novel coronavirus. The first patient is a 45-year-old man who became ill on May 2 and is currently in critical condition while the second patient is a 43-year-old woman with underlying illness who became ill on May 8 and is now in stable condition.
To date, a total of 21 patients have been reported from the outbreak primarily linked to the same health-care facility in Eastern KSA since the beginning of May. Investigation by the KSA government is ongoing.
This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus to 40.
The WHO noted that this is the first time health-care workers have been diagnosed with Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus after exposure to patients. In view of recent clusters reported in health-care facilities, health-care workers and hospitals are reminded to maintain vigilance against novel coronavirus and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients and health-care workers.
"The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the 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.
Health-care providers are advised to be vigilant among recent travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected areas who develop severe acute respiratory infections. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be obtained for diagnosis when possible. 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/Thursday, May 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:17
NNNN
