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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 24) closely monitoring an additional fatal case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Kuwait, 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 male patient, aged 78 with underlying illnesses, owned and had frequent contact with dromedary camels.
"The Hajj pilgrimage is under way. Pilgrims visiting Mecca of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (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.
They 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, 1 570 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 555 deaths. Of note, 1 357 were confirmed in nine Middle East countries including 1 227 in the KSA, 76 in the United Arab Emirates, 23 in Jordan, 13 in Qatar, six each in Iran and Oman, four 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/Thursday, September 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:40
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