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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 28) reported an update on the suspected case of Ebola virus disease. The patient travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, from October 13 to 20, during which he had no contact with sick persons or animals, nor had he visited health-care facilities. His travel collateral and home contacts have remained asymptomatic thus far.
"While the patient's blood specimen tested negative for Ebola virus, epidemiological investigations into his travel history revealed that he had returned to Hong Kong on October 20 via Doha, and the case is hence also classified as a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)," a spokesman for the CHP said.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested negative for MERS Coronavirus by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. He has been in stable condition all along and his fever has subsided.
The CHP called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.
Ends/Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:00
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