Update on latest MERS situation
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According to the WHO, the new cases involved nine adults. As of December 21 this year, a total of 19 MERS cases have been recorded globally, including four fatal cases. All cases were infected in the Middle East (mostly in Saudi Arabia), with some cases having known exposure to dromedary camels or visits to animal markets.
The WHO maintains its overall risk assessment of MERS in Saudi Arabia and expects that more cases of MERS will be reported in the Middle East or other countries where the virus circulates among dromedary camels. The CHP will continue to maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities to monitor the activity and trends of MERS.
Locally, MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and no human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East regions and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be admitted to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
"Scientific evidence shows that dromedary camels are reservoirs for MERS-CoV. Dromedary camels infected with MERS-CoV may not show any signs of infection. Infected animals may shed MERS-CoV through their nasal and eye discharge and faeces, and potentially in their milk and urine. The virus can also be found in the raw offal and meat of infected animals. Among the reported cases in the Middle East regions, most of the patients had been in contact with dromedary camels, consumed camel milk, or had contact with patients who had been diagnosed with MERS. We recommend travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to refrain from arranging for visitors to ride dromedary camels or to participate in any activities involving direct contact with dromedary camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS-CoV. Moreover, travellers to the regions should avoid visiting farms, barns or markets where there are dromedary camels, as well as contact with patients and animals, especially dromedary camels," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
"Those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe complications if they are infected with MERS-CoV. Members of the public travelling to the Middle East (particularly pilgrims travelling to Mecca) should consult healthcare providers before they travel to review the risks and assess whether a pilgrimage is advisable. Pilgrims visiting Mecca may refer to the DH's advice. If pilgrims feel unwell during the two weeks after returning to Hong Kong, they should wear a surgical mask, seek medical attention immediately and inform a doctor of their recent travel history," he added.
The public may visit the MERS page of the CHP and its Travel Health Service to learn more about MERS statistics in affected areas. The public should also refer to 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/Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:30
Issued at HKT 11:30
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