The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 27) closely monitoring 36 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from February 1 to 13. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.
 
     According to the WHO, among the 29 male patients and seven female patients, aged 16 to 84, 12 had underlying illnesses, eight had exposure to camels and consumed camel milk, 33 had contact with previously confirmed patients, and nine were health care workers.

     "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/Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:39

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