Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia
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According to the WHO, among the five male patients aged from 40 to 69 (median age 55), three had underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that three had contact with camels (including two who consumed their raw milk), while one is a home contact of a previously confirmed patient.
To date, 1 806 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 643 deaths. Of note, 1 590 were confirmed in 10 Middle East countries, with 1 447 in the KSA, 79 in the United Arabs Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 16 in Qatar, seven in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain.
"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," a spokesman for the CHP 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 these pages for more information and health advice: the MERS page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the WHO's latest news. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.
Ends/Thursday, September 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:07
Issued at HKT 12:07
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