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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 (August 18) closely monitoring 26 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) 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 the health risks in the places they visit.

     "Travellers to the Middle East, particularly in the summer vacation, 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 (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "As the Hajj pilgrimage will begin in late August, pilgrims visiting Mecca, the KSA, should be vigilant against MERS. Those with pre-existing 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-CoV. Pilgrims should hence consult healthcare providers before travel to review the risk and assess whether pilgrimage is advisable. Pilgrims visiting Mecca may refer to the DH's advice," the spokesman added.
 
     Among the 18 male and eight female patients aged from 12 to 89, 11 had underlying illnesses and five had contact with camels and consumed camel milk. Thirteen (including eight healthcare workers) had contact with confirmed MERS cases and they were associated with a nosocomial cluster.

     In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

     To date, 2 066 cases have been reported to the WHO, with at least 720 deaths. There have been 1 850 cases in 10 Middle East countries including 1 698 in the KSA, 83 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, eight in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, two in Lebanon, and one each in Yemen and Bahrain.

     "We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," the spokesman said.

     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 MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the WHO's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.
 
Ends/Friday, August 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:30
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