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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 13) closely monitoring 12 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea.
According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, they are:
* Two patients of the emergency department of Samsung Medical Center;
* A patient of Konyang University Hospital;
* Three patients of Dae-Cheong Hospital;
* An ambulance driver who was involved in the transportation of a confirmed case; and
* Five cases which are under investigation.
To date, 137 MERS cases have been confirmed 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.
"In view of the latest situation in Korea, the public should avoid unnecessary travel to Korea, in particular those with chronic illnesses. Travellers in Korea and the Middle East should avoid unnecessary visits to health-care facilities. In addition, 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," 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 health-care sector should heighten vigilance and stay alert to the latest situation.
Ends/Saturday, June 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:22
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