Press Releases
SFH on MERS
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and
Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a public function today (June 2):
Secretary for Food and Health: I held a meeting with representatives from
the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health and the
Hospital Authority (HA) as well as Professor K Y Yuen from the University of
Hong Kong this morning. I am particularly concerned about the situation in
South Korea regarding the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
(MERS). Up to this moment, the number of infected persons has risen to over
20. Out of them, two fatal cases have been reported. Furthermore, other two
of them apparently did not contract the illness from the first patient. That
is to say there is at least suspicion of third tier infection. I am also
concern about the lack of transparency of Korean authority. Up to this
moment, we still cannot obtain information about the healthcare institutions
involved. Based on the recommendations of CHP and HA at a meeting yesterday,
we have decided to implement several additional measures (to prevent the
import of MERS). Firstly, travellers arriving Hong Kong with fever or other
respiratory symptoms will be asked to sign on the health assessment form at
the immigration entry points. We will warn them that the information
provided is very important for public health purposes and any persons who
provide inaccurate information might be liable to prosecution. Secondly, we
have decided to advise all healthcare workers to suspend all medical
exchange activities with South Korea, especially those in Seoul.
Reporter: (about the doctor who earlier participated in medical exchange in
South Korea)
Secretary for Food and Health: I was given the report about noon today that
a doctor working at the Kwong Wah Hospital had earlier on participated in
medical exchange activities in a medical institution in Seoul. A few days
after he returned to Hong Kong, he reported to have respiratory symptoms. He
is now admitted to hospital. We will conduct rapid test on the doctor. The
result will be available in a few hours. As soon as we have the result, we
will let you know.
Reporter: The number of MERS cases in South Korea is rising. Do you think
there is a need to issue a travel alert for travellers?
Secretary for Food and Health: As I have just explained, the World Health
Organization up to this particular moment has not issued any travel alert
against South Korea. This, I believe, is because of the fact that whilst
there is evidence of third tier transmission, there is as yet no evidence of
sustained transmission in the community.
Reporter: South Korea authority is not being so forthcoming about releasing
information about their medical centres. Do you think you would advise Hong
Kong people to avoid travelling to South Korea?
Secretary for Food and Health: No, I have just said clearly that I am
advising Hong Kong people who are travelling to South Korea or Seoul to
avoid going to any medical institutions. Up to this particular moment, the
transmission of MERS in South Korea is confined to very close contact or in
a healthcare setting.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:07
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