Hong Kong public warned that they could face prosecution about false Mers reports

The Centre for Health Protection has contacted police in a bid to stop rumours about suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) infections from spreading across the city.

In an attempt to counter the fear caused by televised scenes of medical clinics being closed for disinfection, health officials also promised more frequent updates on information about Mers and warned those who spread false reports about the virus that they may face prosecution.

Centre for Health Protection controller Dr Leung Ting-hung urged the public to remain calm and cautious. "So far, there is no confirmed Mers infection case in Hong Kong," he said. "I hope the public will not [panic]."

The announcement came as a false report circulated on Wednesday that a woman who had gone to a medical centre in the Tsing Yi MTR station was confirmed to have the virus. The report was circulated on Baby-Kingdom, a popular online forum for parents. The woman tested negative for the virus.

The centre's spokesman said it had already contacted the police about the rumours.

However, at least one resident in Tsing Yi was not convinced about the government's reassurance, while another said he had received hundreds of messages from friends warning him to stay away from the clinic. All surgical masks available at one retail outlet in the district were sold out.