The Health Bureau (SSM) urged residents in a statement on Friday to avoid traveling to Kwango province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and urged anyone who has recently visited the area to be vigilant, as there have been reported cases of an unknown illness recently.
According to the bureau, the outbreak is centred in Kwango province, where 379 cases of the unknown illness have been recorded since late October, resulting in 79 fatalities, primarily among individuals aged 15 and over.
Symptoms reported include fever, headache, cough, difficulty breathing, and anaemia, the statement said, adding that the causes and transmission patterns of the illness are under investigation by the bureau.
The statement urged those returning to Macau who experience flu-like symptoms to seek emergency medical attention promptly and inform their doctor about their travel history and any potential exposures.
The bureau underlined that it has established emergency response plans for significant infectious diseases and maintains ongoing mechanisms to monitor and respond to potential threats, including health inspections at border checkpoints, surveillance for infectious diseases in medical facilities, and infection control protocols, the statement said.
Furthermore, the bureau has issued guidance to medical personnel and healthcare institutions to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of the illness, the statement said, adding that frontline healthcare workers are advised to report any suspicious cases immediately and to follow appropriate infection control measures.
If travel is necessary, individuals should pay close attention to personal and food hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, and refrain from visiting local hospitals or coming into contact with sick individuals, the statement said, adding that upon returning to Macau, anyone experiencing discomfort should seek medical help promptly and provide a detailed travel history to their doctor.
This photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) on Friday calls on residents who had travelled in Africa in the past 14 days to report to the bureau.
