Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) today (April 9) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.
According to the CHP's preliminary investigation, the 66-year-old man complained of headache, difficulty in breathing and chills yesterday (April 8). The man was found collapsed in a hotel room this morning. He was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of PMH and died despite resuscitation.
Investigations revealed that the man was a tourist from Indonesia. He had travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between March 30 and April 8. He transited in Dubai and arrived in Hong Kong this morning and stayed in the hotel for subsequent departure to Indonesia this afternoon.
Preliminary laboratory test results today for the man's respiratory specimens were negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease.
The DH has notified the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong about the case.
The case will be referred to the Coroner for investigation.
"The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
"We would like to reassure the public that the Government will be as transparent as possible in the dissemination of information on cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus. Whenever there is a suspected case, particularly involving patients with travel history to the Middle East and the affected areas, the CHP will release information to the public as soon as possible," the spokesman reiterated.
Travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. http://7thspace.com/headlines/435603/fatal_case_with_travel_history_to_ksa_tests_negative_for_novel_coronavirus.html
