Hong Konger suspected for SARS-related virus

Investigation into the case involving a 59-year old man is ongoing.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case reported by Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) involving a 59-year-old man with fever and travel history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

The man, with underlying illnesses, presented with fever, coughing and shortness of breath yesterday (November 6) and was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of PMH for treatment early this morning. He was subsequently admitted to the isolation ward and is currently in stable condition.

The test result of the patient's respiratory specimen for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease will be available later today.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient, who lived in Hong Kong, travelled to Jeddah, KSA, on October 9 and then to Medina and Mecca. He returned to Hong Kong on November 1. He was not exposed to wild animals during his stay in KSA. His travel collaterals and home contacts are all asymptomatic.

Investigation into the case is ongoing.

 "The CHP is closely liaising with the Hospital Authority to monitor the case," a CHP spokesman said.

The spokesman advised travellers who fall sick within 10 days of returning from Novel Coronavirus-affected countries or areas to put on masks, seek medical advice and report their travel history to their doctors immediately.