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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 5) closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea.
According to the health authority of Korea, they include:
* One in-patient in the same ward of a hospital as the index and other cases, and two other in-patients in the same ward of the same hospital as other cases;
* One in-patient at another hospital in the same ward as another case from May 25 to 28; and
* One visitor who had contact with another case at another hospital on May 27.
To date, 40 MERS cases have been reported by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.
"We again urge the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry. They should also avoid unnecessary visits to health-care facilities (HCFs). In addition, in view of the latest situation in Korea, travellers should avoid unnecessary visits to HCFs in Korea," the spokesman advised.
The CHP will maintain close communication with the World Health Organization and the health authority of Korea. Members of the public and the healthcare sector should heighten vigilance and stay alert to the latest situation.
Ends/Friday, June 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 09:42
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