Update on latest MERS situation in United Arab Emirates

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 29) closely monitoring one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates, 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.

     According to the WHO, the patient is a 78-year-old man with underlying illness residing in United Arab Emirates. He tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on May 14, who is now hospitalised and in a stable condition. The patient owns a camel farm and had daily contact with camels before onset. He also reported recent travel history to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Investigations into the source of infection are ongoing. 

     According to the latest information, 2 207 cases have been reported to the WHO (with at least 787 deaths).

     "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.