The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 8) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Oman, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patient is a 44-year-old man with good past health. He developed symptoms on December 25, 2015 and was admitted to a hospital on January 1 this year. He tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on January 3 and is currently under isolation and in a stable condition. The patient has a history of exposure to dromedary camels in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

To date, 1 626 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 586 deaths. Of note, 1 413 were confirmed in nine Middle East countries including 1 277 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 76 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 13 in Qatar, seven in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon and Yemen.

"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," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," the spokesman added.
Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene.

Hong Kong Government News