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Two patients with respiratory symptoms and travel history test negative for MERS-CoV
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) announced two suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) whose respiratory specimens tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

     The first case is a male patient aged 20 who returned to Hong Kong on June 5 from the United Kingdom via Dubai. He has presented with cough and running nose since June 9. He developed shortness of breath last night (June 11) and sought medical attention from a private hospital. He was subsequently transferred to Ruttonjee Hospital (RH) early this morning for isolation and management and has been in stable condition. His home contacts remained asymptomatic. His sputum specimen and nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) tested negative for MERS-CoV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB).

     The other case is a female patient aged 66 who has travelled to Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey since April 26 and returned to Hong Kong via Doha on June 10. She has presented with cough, running nose and sore throat since June 8 and was admitted to RH with fever for isolation and management last night. She has been stable all along. Her travel collaterals had mild cough. Her sputum specimen and NPS tested negative for MERS-CoV upon preliminary testing by the PHLSB.

     "We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East not to arrange camel rides and activities involving camel contact, which may increase the risk of infection. In addition, travellers are reminded to avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with animals, especially camels, birds, poultry or sick people during travel," a spokesman for the DH added.

     "Recent scientific studies supported the premise that camels served as the primary source of MERS-CoV infecting humans. A study further suggested that human MERS-CoV infections could be transmitted through close contact with infected camels," the spokesman explained.

     Locally, the DH's surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals and practising doctors and at the airport is well in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     "MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the PHLSB is capable of detecting the virus. No human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

     "The Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information. 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 added.

     Early identification of MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. Health-care workers (HCWs) should maintain vigilance and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected or confirmed cases to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, HCWs or visitors. Regular education should be provided.

     Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop respiratory symptoms should wear face masks, seek medical attention and report their travel history to the doctor. HCWs should arrange MERS-CoV testing for them. Patients' lower respiratory tract specimens should be tested when possible and repeat testing should be undertaken when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.

     Travellers are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:

* Avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels;
* Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel;
* Wash hands regularly before and after touching animals in case of visits to farms or barns;
* Do not consume raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
* Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
* Avoid visits to health-care settings with MERS patients;
* Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; and
* Wash hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet.

     The public may visit the CHP's MERS page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html), the DH's Travel Health Service
(www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html) or the latest news of the World Health Organization (www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/) for more information and health advice.

     Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice against MERS (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html).

Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:48

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