“Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” refers to the cluster of viral pneumonia cases of unknown cause occurring in Wuhan, Hubei Province, since December 2019. According to information provided by the Mainland health authorities, symptoms of the cases were mainly fever while a few had presented with shortness of breath. While no fatal cases have been recorded so far, some cases were in serious condition.
According to the risk assessment of the World Health Organization, the reported link of this cluster of pneumonia of unknown aetiology to a wholesale fish and live animal market could indicate an exposure link to animals. The Mainland’s investigation has not identified any evidence of definite human-to-human transmission and no healthcare workers have been infected.
To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should maintain good personal hygiene at all times and keep both hands clean.
In addition, avoid travelling to places with pneumonia outbreaks. If you must go to these places, do not touch animals or eat game meat. Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. After returning to Hong Kong, if you have a fever or other symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consult a doctor promptly and reveal your recent travel history.
Causative agent
“Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” refers to the cluster of viral pneumonia cases of unknown cause occurring in Wuhan, Hubei Province, since December 2019. While the causative pathogen and cause of infection are still under investigation by the Mainland health authorities, respiratory pathogens including influenza viruses, avian influenza viruses, adenovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus have been ruled out.
Clinical features
According to information provided by the Mainland health authorities, symptoms of the cases were mainly fever while a few had presented with shortness of breath. While no fatal cases have been recorded so far, some cases were in serious condition.
Mode of transmission and incubation period
The mode of transmission and incubation period remain unknown. According to the risk assessment of the World Health Organization, the reported link of this cluster of pneumonia of unknown aetiology to a wholesale fish and live animal market could indicate an exposure link to animals. The Mainland’s investigation has not identified any evidence of definite human-to-human transmission and no healthcare workers have been infected.
Management
There is no information on the treatment of this disease at this stage.
Prevention
Health advice
To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
– Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing;
– Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
– Cover mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly;
When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
Travel advice
The public should take heed of the preventive measures below when travelling outside Hong Kong:
– Avoid touching animals (including game), poultry / birds or their droppings;
– Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms;
– Avoid making close contact with patients, especially those with symptoms of acute respiratory infections;
– Do not consume game meat and do not patronise food premises where game meat is served;
– Adhere to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding consuming raw or undercooked animal products, including milk, eggs and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or contaminated products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
– If feeling unwell when outside Hong Kong, especially if having a fever or cough, wear a surgical mask, inform the hotel staff or tour escort and seek medical advice at once; and
– After returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly if having a fever or other symptoms, inform the doctor of recent travel history and wear a surgical mask to help prevent spread of the disease.
For details, please refer to the website of the Department of Health.