Update on latest MERS situation in United Arab Emirates
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The asymptomatic male patient aged 39 had contact with camels earlier this month, with some of the camels testing positive for MERS Coronavirus. He was identified through related screening activities.
To date, 2 122 cases have been reported to the WHO (with at least 740 deaths), including 1 906 in 10 Middle East countries comprising 1 749 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 86 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, 10 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," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"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.
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 page 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, December 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 12:00
Issued at HKT 12:00
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