A computer graphic showing a model of the Middle East Respiratory System (MERS) virus. (Image: Masoud Zamani via Wikimedia Commons)
A 44-year-old Korean man who is suspected of having Middle East Respiratory System (MERS) travelled through Hong Kong on his way to the mainland.
The man flew from Seoul to Hong Kong on Asian Airlines flight 723, arriving at 1pm on Tuesday, then immediately got on an Eternal East coach to Huizhou, Guangdong, according to a government statement.
He was hospitalised in Guangdong and is currently in a stable condition.
Unbelievably, this guy’s 76-year-old father happens to be Korea’s third MERS case, and his 46-year-old sister is their fourth MERS case.
According to the Centre for Health Protection’s controller Leung Ting-hung, the patient had a fever and a cough when he arrived in Hong Kong, but he did not tell health officers that he had been in contact with confirmed MERS patients.
Someone probably shouldn’t have been travelling…
The authorities are still waiting for his test results.
The Department of Health has initiated an investigation and been gathering information on people who were in close contact with the patient during his travels, in case they need to track them down if the case is confirmed.
If you were on flight OZ723 on May 26 or were on that fateful bus to Huizhou, please call the special government hotline on (+852) 2125-1111.
A nurse who assessed the Korean traveller at the airport reported having a cough, nausea and dizziness, but no fever.
However, it turned out to be either coincidence or paranoia when she tested negative for MERS after being transferred to the Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital.
“We have made necessary preparations in advance and are ready for other disease control measures if necessary. Members of the public and the healthcare sector should heighten vigilance and stay alert to the latest situation,” said Leung.
