The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 28) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit. The case is detailed below:
 

     "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 (MERS-CoV)," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Locally, the CHP's surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed relevant symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     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 pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization'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. 
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (December 28):
      
     A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to the Orthopaedics and Traumatology (O&T) ward and the Medical and Geriatric (M&G) ward of PMH. His clinical specimen was confirmed to carry Candida auris on December 19, without signs of infections. In accordance with prevailing guideline, PMH has commenced contact tracing for the patients who have close contact with the index patient. One more 70-year-old male orthopaedic patient was confirmed to carry Candida auris without signs of infection. The patients are now treated under isolation; one is clinically stable while the other is in serious condition due to his underlying illness. 

     The Hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
      
     1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned
     2. Enhance patient and environmental screening procedures
     3. Apply stringent contact precautions and enhance hand hygiene of staff and patients
      
     The Hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients as well as follow up the cases with concerned departments and the CHP.

     Police today (December 28) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Kwun Tong.

     Pang Chung-hang, aged 31, went missing after he was last seen near Hong Pak Court yesterday (December 27) morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
       
     He is about 1.75 metres tall, 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a brown-yellow jacket, grey trousers and white shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or 9886 0060 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
 

  

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (December 29).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.