MERS Report Update: 3 Suspected Cases in Hong Kong

MERS Outbreak Update 28.07.2014:

July 27 – July 28, 2014:

Three Suspected MERS cases being Investigated in Hong Kong – Ongoing

*This is an ongoing story, and here at USA Emergency Broadcasting Network, we can confirm the legitimacy of the source, yet cannot confirm numbers at this time.  USAEBN will continue to monitor this and other Biological Threats as we encounter more information. – usaebn.org*

“The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 28) investigating two suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) affecting a 34-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, and called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. In addition, the CHP provided an update on the suspected case of MERS notified yesterday (July 27). The 2-year-old boy’s respiratory specimen tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The first patient is a 34-year-old man with good past health. He travelled from Pakistan to Hong Kong via Dubai yesterday and arrived in Hong Kong today. He has presented with fever and vomiting and was screened to have fever at the Hong Kong International Airport today. He was subsequently transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation. He is currently in stable condition. The second patient is a 45-year-old woman with good past health. She returned to Hong Kong from Paris via Dubai on July 25 and arrived in Hong Kong on July 26. She has presented with fever and diarrhoea since yesterday and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation today. She is currently in stable condition. Both patients’ respiratory specimens have been collected for laboratory testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB). Their travel collaterals have remained asymptomatic. Regarding the suspected case of MERS notified yesterday, the 2-year-old boy’s nasopharyngeal aspirate tested negative for MERS-CoV upon preliminary laboratory testing by the CHP’s PHLSB. The patient travelled with his family from Dubai to Hong Kong on July 23.

He has presented with fever since July 24 and cough since July 26. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 26 and has been in stable condition. His travel collaterals remain asymptomatic. “We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East not to arrange camel rides and activities involving camel contact, which may increase the risk of infection. In addition, travellers are reminded to avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, and avoid contact with animals, especially camels, birds, poultry or sick people during travel,” a spokesman for the DH said. “Recent scientific studies supported the premise that camels served as the primary source of MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infecting humans. A study further suggested that human MERS-CoV infections could be transmitted through close contact with infected camels,” the spokesman explained. Locally, the DH’s surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and at the airport is well in place. Suspected cases identified will be sent to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV. “MERS is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease and the PHLSB is capable of detecting the virus. No human cases have been recorded so far in Hong Kong,” the spokesman said. “The Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible,” the spokesman added. Early identification of MERS-CoV is important, but not all cases can be detected in a timely manner, especially mild or atypical cases. Health-care workers (HCWs) should maintain vigilance and adhere to strict infection control measures while handling suspected or confirmed cases to reduce the risk of transmission to other patients, HCWs or visitors. Regular education should be provided. Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop respiratory symptoms should wear face masks, seek medical attention and report their travel history to the doctor. HCWs should arrange MERS-CoV testing for them. Patients’ lower respiratory tract specimens should be tested when possible and repeat testing should be undertaken when clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS.” – via RSOE

As reported previously on USAEBN, the #MERS Outbreak continues to gain momentum, as real numbers are harder to pin down.  As always, it is up to YOU as an individual and a group to Prepare Yourselves for #Pandemic Influenza and Biological Threats.  You are your own First Responder after an “Event.”

Source Report:

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/m/?pageid=event_details&edis_id=BH-20140728-44706-CHN

http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/2013/10/biological-alert-as-saudi-arabia-hosts.html

http://usaebn.org/web/index.php/medical-report/805-mers-report-july-2014

http://usaebn.com/marketplace/index.php/home/?___store=default

Symptoms of MERS-COV:

Not all infected people have symptoms. Some people act as carriers and never get sick from this disease. However the symptoms may have:

• Coughing
• Mucous
• Shortness of breath
• A general feeling of being unwell
• Chest Pain

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Kidney failure
• Other flu like symptoms

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO (World Health Organization), there are no specific treatments for patients who become ill with MERS-CoV infection.

All doctors can currently do is provide supportive medical care to help relieve the symptoms. Supportive care means providing treatment to prevent, control or relieve complications and side effects, as well as attempting to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life. Supportive care (supportive therapy) does not include treating or improving the illness/condition.

The following groups of people are more susceptible to MERS-CoV infections and complications:

• Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions
• Organ transplant recipients who are on immunosuppressive medications
• Other patients whose immune systems are weak, such as cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Experts have noted that MERS-CoV is more human transmissible in hospital settings than out In the community.

Precautions to take:

As with any kind of respiratory illness your flu prevention should be observed

• Avoid contact with people with symptoms of the disease
• Maintain good hand hygiene
• Avoid unwashed vegetables and fruits
• Avoid uncooked or undercooked meats
• Keep hand from eyes nose and mouth
• When sick, stay home

People who become ill while on a trip should avoid close contact with other people, they should wear a medical mask, and sneeze into a sleeve, flexed elbow or tissue (making sure it is disposed of properly after use).

Unless you are caring for a person who is sick and infected with MERS-CoV, your risk of contracting the virus is small, says WHO. However, as so little is known about this virus strain, any advice or recommendation should be considered as temporary.

USAEBN Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor these incidents and report any significant changes to you on our digital broadcasting station and website / social media outlets.

During any type of disaster, relief organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA will not be able to get to you for a few days, so it is up to the individual to prepare for his family during times of crises. The need to educate the public on the basic of Disaster Preparedness is critical. It is not up to the government alone to provide this information, but local communities and business must step up to the plate and help educate the local populace.

Remember:

Disaster Preparedness is as Simple as A-B-C

A – Always be informed by listening to USA Emergency Broadcasting Network

B – Build a Disaster Kit ; USAEBN Marketplace has the equipment that you need

C- Create a Family Emergency Plan; Attend training offered by USAEBN

Contributor: Madtown Preppers

Contact: [email protected]