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Statutory notification of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
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     A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (June 11) that the Government will amend the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap 599) and its subsidiary legislation, the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (Cap 599A), to adopt the latest nomenclature concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, which is already a statutorily notifiable disease in Hong Kong.

     "The legislative amendments will be gazetted on June 14 with immediate effect," the spokesman said.

     Under the amendments, "Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus" will be renamed as "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome", while "Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease" will be renamed as "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus". The disease and the virus have been included in Schedules 1 and 2 to the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and Section 56 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation since September 28, 2012.

     "The legislative amendments followed the earlier adoption by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the name 'Middle East Respiratory Syndrome'," the spokesman explained.

     With the amendments, the provisions concerning the disease and the virus will continue to be applied as and when necessary. Medical practitioners are required to notify the Director of Health (DoH) if they have reason to suspect the existence of this disease and persons in charge of a laboratory are required to notify leakage of the virus in the laboratory that may pose a public health risk. The DoH may also exercise the power to institute relevant border control measures for travellers with regard to developments in the affected areas.

     In addition, in view of the latest scientific evidence and international practice, the longest incubation period of this disease has been revised from 10 days to 14 days.

     "The CHP will issue letters to doctors and the medical laboratory sector to inform them of the relevant legislative amendments and the revised reporting criteria," the spokesman said.

     "We will continue to keep a close watch on the latest developments of the disease and liaise with overseas health authorities and international health partners on the progress of further epidemiological investigations and surveillance, as well as the latest advice from the WHO," the spokesman added.

     Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

     "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 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman remarked.

     Health-care workers and hospitals are reminded to maintain vigilance against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, health-care workers and visitors.

     Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop severe acute respiratory infections should be tested for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should also be obtained for diagnosis when possible. Doctors are reminded that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhoea, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised.

     Travellers should avoid contact with animals, poultry or sick people during their journeys and seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell. As a general precautionary measure, they should also adhere to food safety and environmental hygiene such as avoiding undercooked meats, raw fruits and vegetables, unless they have been peeled, or unsafe water. Those returning from the Middle East with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.

     Members of the public are reminded 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.

     The public may visit the CHP's website for more information on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html) or personal hygiene (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html).

Ends/Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:45

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