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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 7) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
According to the WHO, the patients are a 67-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman with underlying illnesses. Investigations of possible epidemiological links between the male patient and previous confirmed patients who were admitted to the same hospital or shared healthcare workers and the female patient's history of exposure to known risk factors in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms are ongoing.
In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.
To date, 1 384 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 495 deaths. Of note, 1 171 were confirmed in nine Middle East countries, including 1 053 in the KSA, 76 in the United Arab Emirates, 13 in Qatar, 12 in Jordan, six each in Iran and Oman, three in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon and Yemen.
"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, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are a known risk factor for acquiring MERS," the spokesman advised.
The CHP will maintain close communication with the WHO and the relevant health authorities. Members of the public and the healthcare sector should heighten vigilance and stay alert to the latest situation.
Ends/Friday, August 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:49
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