Response level upgrade not needed: health chief
November 25, 2012
Patients who have no history of travel to Saudi Arabia and Qatar but develop symptoms similar to those caused by the new novel coronavirus might still need to undergo tests, says Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man.
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said there are fresh concerns about the novel coronavirus causing severe respiratory disease after the World Health Organisation confirmed four new cases - three from Saudi Arabia, and one from Qatar.
He said the WHO also noted that it cannot assume the source of infection is present only in the two countries concerned. Patients without a history of travel to these two countries who develop similar symptoms should be tested for the new coronavirus.
Dr Ko added that the Centre for Health Protection is closely following developments.
There is no need to upgrade the response level for the infectious disease outbreak, he said, adding the new cases underscored the need to enhance surveillance measures, both at hospitals and immigration checkpoints.