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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) today (June 19) of a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome affecting an 18-year-old man whose respiratory specimen tested negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and cough since May 26. He was sent to PMH upon his return to Hong Kong yesterday (June 18) and is currently under isolation for further management.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had departed Hong Kong for Europe with his family members on May 14 and took transit in Dubai on the same day.
The patient sought medical consultation during his stay in Europe and he has been in stable condition all along. He described no contact history with animals or patients during his trip. His travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic so far.
Preliminary laboratory testing on the patient's nasopharyngeal aspirate by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP yielded negative results for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.
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.
Healthcare 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, healthcare 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 fruit and vegetables unless they have been peeled, and unsafe water. Those returning from the Middle East with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear a face mask, 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/Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:43
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