Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at a ceremony to mark the 2013 World Tuberculosis Day this afternoon (March 24):
Reporter: (On the latest case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Secretary for Food and Health: The World Health Organization (WHO) has just informed our Centre for Health Protection that there is now a 16th case of new Novel Coronavirus causing severe respiratory disease. This patient is a contact of the 15th case (announced by the WHO on March 12). We are trying to contact the WHO and other regional authorities to get more information on this case.
On the other hand, in Hong Kong, there are from time to time patients returning from the affected areas who have symptoms fulfilling the clinical criteria of the new Novel Coronavirus infection. This morning, there is a four-year-old girl, who is a tourist from Qatar, has presented clinical symptoms fulfilling the criteria of new Novel Coronavirus infection. We have conducted rapid tests on this girl.
Up to this moment, her specimens had been tested positive for Adenovirus but we cannot rule out the possibility of other coincidental infections, including the new Novel Coronavirus. We are waiting for the results of the rapid tests on Coronavirus which will be available in a few hours' time. I have to renew our appeal to all Hong Kong people to remain vigilant and adopt good personal hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle.
Reporter: (On the condition of the 4-year old girl in local hospital)
Secretary for Food and Health: This girl was treated firstly in a private hospital and was subsequently referred to the public hospital. http://7thspace.com/headlines/434717/sfh_on_additional_overseas_case_of_severe_respiratory_disease_associated_with_novel_coronavirus.html
