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The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 21) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in addition to the first two cases reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.
According to the health authority of Korea, the case involves a male patient aged 76 who developed fever and was subsequently laboratory-confirmed. He was admitted to the same hospital room as the index male patient aged 68. Contact tracing by the health authority of Korea is ongoing.
"This is the third MERS case in Korea. We are seeking more information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Korea, and will remain vigilant and work closely with the WHO as well as overseas and neighbouring health authorities to monitor the latest developments," a spokesman for the DH said.
"Locally, we will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to alert them to the latest situation," the spokesman added.
Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:29
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