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Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 9) closely monitoring 22 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) including three deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

     According to the WHO, the patients comprise 13 men and nine women aged from 24 to 87. Fifteen of these reported cases are associated with a MERS outbreak currently occurring in a hospital in Riyadh. Investigations of possible epidemiological links with the confirmed patients admitted to this hospital or with shared healthcare workers are ongoing. Three other patients have a history of frequent contact with camels and consumption of their raw milk. Regarding the remaining four cases, the history of exposure to the known risk factors in the 14 days prior to their onset of symptoms is under investigation. In addition, eight previously confirmed patients have died.
 
     "As the Hajj pilgrimage will begin soon, pilgrims visiting Mecca, the KSA, should be vigilant against MERS. Those with pre-existing major medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe infections if they are exposed to MERS Coronavirus. Pilgrims should hence consult healthcare providers before travel to review the risk and assess whether pilgrimage is advisable," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     Pilgrims visiting Mecca may refer to the DH's advice (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/travel_special_needs/pilgrims.html) or that from the Ministry of Health of the KSA (www.moh.gov.sa/en/Hajj/Pages/HealthRegulations.aspx).
 
     To date, 1 517 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 539 deaths. Of note, 1 304 were confirmed in nine Middle East countries including 1 180 in the KSA, 76 in the United Arab Emirates, 18 in Jordan, 13 in Qatar, six each in Iran and Oman, three in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon and Yemen.
 
     "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 known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," the spokesman said.
 
     "We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," the spokesman added.
 
     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the pages below for more information and health advice:
 
* The CHP's MERS page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26511.html);
* MERS statistics in affected areas (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/distribution_of_mers_cases_en.pdf);
* The MERS page of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html);
* The CHP Facebook Page (www.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection);
* The CHP YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel); and
* The WHO's latest news (www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en).
 
     Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/26551.html).

Ends/Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:51

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