Via the Centre for Health Protection: Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia. Excerpt:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 1) closely monitoring 19 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from February 1 to 28. The CHP 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, among the 17 male patients and two female patients, aged 24 to 94, 13 had underlying illnesses, nine had exposure to camels and consumed camel milk, two had contact with previously confirmed patients, and three had passed away.
"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"As countries in the Middle East, particularly the KSA, continue to report MERS cases from time to time, travellers should refrain from going to farms, barns or markets with camels and avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry. Most of the cases reported in the Middle East had history of exposure to camels, consumption of camel milk or contact with other MERS patients," the spokesman said.