China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Pathfinder]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

Shenzhen Center for Disease Control: migratory birds increases the risk of bird flu

Radio Television Hong Kong - 5 hours ago

Hong Kong's first confirmed case of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza cases, 36-year-old Indian commission went to Shenzhen, a market and slaughtered chickens cooking.

Deputy director of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention 马汉武 said that Shenzhen had not received reports of suspected cases or infection related to the case of Hong Kong, is also published in the Hong Kong to know, is awaiting the findings of Hong Kong, including the patient visited Shenzhen those places and other information before deciding how to follow up.

He said, H7N9 bird flu last month, has been included in the list of diseases within the required notification, the municipal government will closely monitor the situation, and then consider further measures.

Mahan Wu said that winter is the season for migratory birds, avian influenza may increase the risk of transmission, will closely monitor the situation of human infection with influenza surrounding areas, the city has established a network of informed, hope to do early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

He said that prevention and control measures in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health treatment, the disease can spread through live poultry or wild birds, called on the people to minimize contact with live poultry.


zhttp://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E6%B7%B1%E5%9C%B3%E7%96%BE%E6%8E%A7%E4%B8%AD%E5%B F%83-%E5%80%99%E9%B3%A5%E9%81%B7%E7%A7%BB%E5%A2%9E%E5%8 A%A0%E7%A6%BD%E6%B5%81%E6%84%9F%E9%A2%A8%E9%9A%AA-100200425.html

[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

The role of wild fauna has not been clarified for the spread of avian influenza virus A/H7N9.

Since most of human cases with recognized exposure to animals, had contacts with live poultry, main focus for prevention should be increasing distance between human and live poultry.

If no measures will be taken to reduce number and frequence of human exposure to live poultry, it will not be possible to halt further human infections either sporadic and in cluster and, most importantly, the evolution toward an efficiently transmissible virus in humans.

Live poultry is surely pivotal in agro-business in China but one wonders whether the impact on GDP growth after a conspicuous limitation in live animals trade is better than the spread of a novel influenza virus with pandemic potential, with an overall case fatality rate unknown. GM

[Shiloh]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

Source: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/a...hong-kong-case


Hong Kong places 17 people in isolation, scores under watch amid H7N9 bird flu scare

200 placed under observation after coming into contact with domestic helper confirmed to be infected with the H7N9 virus
PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 03 December, 2013, 12:28pm
UPDATED : Tuesday, 03 December, 2013, 11:39pm
Emily Tsang, Lo Wei and He Huifeng

More than 200 people have been placed under observation after coming into contact with an Indonesian domestic helper who is the first person in Hong Kong to be infected with the fatal H7N9 strain of bird flu.

Seventeen of them, who either lived in the same Tuen Mun flat as the patient, or were in the same cubicle as her when she was treated in Tuen Mun Hospital, were most at risk of infection and had been isolated, the Centre for Health Protection said.

The Indonesian consulate confirmed the patient was 35-year-old Tri Mawarti...

[Pathfinder]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

RI worker in Hong Kong infected with H7N9 avian influenza

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | World | Tue, December 03 2013, 10:06 PM

The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Hong Kong has confirmed based on information obtained from the Hong Kong authority, that an Indonesian migrant worker, Tri Mawarti, 36, has H7N9 avian influenza.

It said Tri was taken to Tuen Mun Hospital on Nov.27 before she was moved to Queen Mary Hospital on Nov.30. The patient is reported to be in critical condition.

?KJRI Hong Kong will continue to monitor the development of the case and will seek all the support she needs, including to bring her family to Hong Kong,? said the consulate general in an official release made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

It is said the KJRI Hong Kong, under cooperation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Hong Kong, would disseminate information on avian influenza to all Indonesian citizens in Hong Kong, including on preventive measures against the disease.
...

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/12/03/ri-worker-hong-kong-infected-with-h7n9-avian-influenza.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

Translation Google

Shenzhen suspended live poultry to Hong Kong two farms

Source: People's Daily Time: 2013-12-04 10:37
Guangdong Xinhua News

Official said the first case of H7N9 avian influenza cases of human infection in Hong Kong from Shenzhen input is not necessarily real big threat of infection from migratory birds

Hong Kong's first confirmed case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza cases are entered by the Shenzhen? Shenzhen CDC deputy director Mahan Wu said at a news conference yesterday, from the current master situation, the input is not necessarily the case in Hong Kong from Shenzhen, he said, and now this season, is in the migratory season, the infection really large threat from migratory birds.

马汉武 said that from the beginning of May this year in Shenzhen, has been carried out on bird flu prevention and control work, "Shenzhen done every day cleaning, disinfecting a weekly, monthly, a closed work, including practitioners, etc., every year for their health problems testing, as far as I know, we are doing this work requirements are more stringent than the better ", while the Shenzhen market of poultry normal supply.

He said that the Shenzhen far this year, 358 people have been tested in the clinic cases, there are 15 million people found to have influenza-like illness, but as of yesterday, did not find someone infected with H7N9 avian influenza. For Hong Kong confirmed the first case of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza cases in Hong Kong aspects need further investigation to determine whether imported into Hong Kong from Shenzhen.

Yesterday, Shenzhen Inspection and Quarantine Bureau adopted a number of measures against people infected with H7N9 bird flu prevention and control carried out. Council official said yesterday, the Hong Kong side has to be requested to suspend the export of live poultry farms registered in Shenzhen Guanlan HengTai area farms and farm Kengzi Xu Feng, comprehensive inspections of farms, focusing on health and epidemic prevention inspection of live poultry health status and in accordance with the provisions continue to do monitoring. Strengthen the departure port for on-site inspection of live poultry, to ensure clinically healthy export live poultry. (Reporter Zheng Yanhong)

zhttp://www.gd.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2013-12/04/c_118406940.htm

[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: RTHK, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


Lack of awareness about H7N9 danger

04-12-2013


The Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, says the first case of H7N9 bird flu in Hong Kong has indicated that the public still doesn't know enough about the potentially fatal virus.

Speaking on a radio programme, Dr Ko said this was highlighted by the Indonesian domestic helper who culled a chicken which she'd bought in Shenzhen without taking precautionary measures.

The infected woman is in a critical condition, and 17 people who've had contact with her are quarantined.

Dr Ko said the government would step up publicity among ethnic minority groups about the health risks.

He also told legislators that at this stage, there's no need to take additional precautionary measures, such as fully suspending the supply of live chickens into the territory.

He added that making people entering the SAR fill out health declaration forms probably wouldn't be very useful.


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[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: Ifeng/Xinhua, full text in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]


Hong Kong, 200 close contacts of the 1st H7N9 human case traced, some quarantined

At 14:38 on December 4th 2013 / Source: Xinhua


Xinhua News December 4, according to Hong Kong "Ta Kung Pao" reported the first case of human infection with H7N9 occurred in Hong Kong avian flu, the Hong Kong SAR Government embattled CHP has acquired more than 200 persons who had contact with the patient, of which seven health care workers upper respiratory tract infection symptoms; 17 close contacts, there are four symptoms of infections, all tested negative for the quick response.

Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man, said yesterday that not only results in a quick test to make a final judgment, staff will continue to follow the clinical situation, may then be repeated testing, the government will continue to asymptomatic people rushed Xi Gongmai MacLEHOSE Mrs. Resort isolation [for ten days] until the end of the incubation period.

With a 36-year-old woman the day before Indian commission confirmed H7N9 avian influenza infection, the government that the response level of influenza pandemic contingency plan promoted "serious", the government yesterday to convene the meeting of the Steering Committee composed of more than 11 departments to follow up developments . KO in the evening after the meeting said the committee decided to maintain the "serious" level, infection control measures in all public hospitals to upgrade, as the 36-year-old patient, still in critical condition, need artificial lung assist breathing, is the Queen Mary Hospital intensive care unit, medical Authority's panel of experts discussing treatment options.


The patient is still in critical need of artificial lungs

Director, Centre for Health Protection Leung Ting-**** said that the patient went to two private clinics, Tuen Mun Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital for treatment, which had contact with more than 200 people, including 170 health care workers and ambulance staff Tuen Mun Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital.

Seven people with [non specific] symptoms, tested negative after rapid test for the H7N9 virus, is not currently found someone to test positive.

As for private clinics, TH Leung said patients in at 11:00 on November 25 to Shop No. 385 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun, building underground the 17th Dr. Huang Xiaoshan's clinics, and in at 20:30 on November 26 Tuen Mun Jinhua Dr. Wang Junyin underground mall clinics, during her consultation, the patient care within two clinics in aggregate more than 30 people, the Department of Health have been informed and the person concerned, under medical surveillance.

This reporter yesterday called two private clinics For more information on disease printed commission events, but the clinic nurse said Huang hill holiday yesterday, and Dr. Wang Junyin last night said that the name printed on the commission last month on the 26th in the evening to their clinics, She was upper respiratory tract infection symptoms include high fever 39.7 degrees and phlegmatic, he had suggested Indian commission to the hospital, "according to the lungs."


Peer girlfriend Margaret isolation switch

Leung Ting **** also said that a total of 17 close contacts of patients, including 10 members from the employer's family, and a 33-year-old friend, Shenzhen Tong Fu and the six patients in Tuen Mun Hospital doctors leave during intercourse.

Among them, the four family members, although the symptoms of infection, but the rapid test was negative, being admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for observation.

33-year-old friend after laboratory tests confirmed the initial negative reaction to the H7N9 virus, was yesterday afternoon transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.

As six patients being admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital isolation awaiting testing.


Employer's home this morning sent five people MacLehose

The Department of Health has already Lady MacLehose converted into a quarantine center Resort, Ko Wing-man said the rapid test was negative and no symptoms of infection in close contacts, the resort will be arranged successively taken in isolation until the 10th until the end of the incubation period.

The Department of Health said the five patients with no symptoms of infection of the employer's family members rushed to the resort this morning, after they leave the resort, the CHP will be within 10 days to track their physical condition as a medical surveillance over the phone, if the person being monitored There needs to be obtained from the CHP Tamiflu for prophylaxis.

Ko Wing Man pointed Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has visited 30 farms in the territory began yesterday, 15 farms have been inspected and samples for testing, temporarily did not find abnormal Department today will patrol the remaining 15 farms. He said Hong Kong's live poultry supply was not affected, the department will ensure that markets a "clear day" measures, and will strengthen the cleaning and disinfection.

For the government to stop all of three Shenzhen to Hong Kong imports of live chickens from farms, Ko Wing-man admitted that special arrangements. He explained that due to the current fashion unable to determine what patients and their friends have been to Shenzhen, it is not focused on the scope of the blockade within 13 kilometers. Authorities have obtained the consent of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the use of special manner.

As some experts had pointed out the existing rapid tests for H7N9 virus in Hong Kong may not be accurate response, Ko Wing Man refers to the medical staff will follow the clinical situation to decide whether to repeat the test, the first test results will not be conclusive.


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[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: Government of Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]


Hong Kong, Legislative Council Urgent Question 2: First confirmed case of human infection of avian influenza A(H7N9)


Following is an urgent question by the Dr Hon Kwok Ka-ki under Rule 24(4) of the Rules of Procedure and a reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, in the Legislative Council today (December 4):


Question:

??The first case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza in Hong Kong, which was confirmed on the 2nd of this month, has aroused public concern. The patient concerned had physical contact with chickens while she was on the Mainland, where an H7N9 avian influenza epidemic broke out during the spring season this year, resulting in 139 infected cases in which 45 people died.

''In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

• (a) it has assessed the risk of an immediate outbreak of H7N9 avian influenza epidemic in Hong Kong;
  • if it has, of the assessment results;
  • if not, the reasons for that;
  
  
• (b) it has put in place any emergency measures to counter the H7N9 avian influenza epidemic in case of such an outbreak, including measures to handle local live poultry, quarantine arrangements for poultry imported from the Mainland, epidemic prevention measures at boundary control points (including body temperature checks, health declarations by arriving and departing travellers, etc.), as well as issuing travel alerts and setting up an inter-departmental working group for coordinating efforts and conducting drills;
  • if it has, of the conditions under which the various measures will be implemented and their details;
  • if not, how the Government ensures that the epidemic will be under control; and
  
  
• (c) it has put in place any medical preparations to counter an H7N9 avian influenza epidemic, including case identification check-ups at out-patient clinics as well as accident and emergency departments, infection control and isolation measures in hospitals, as well as clinical and medication guidelines;
  • if it has, of the implementation details;
  • if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

??President,

??On March 31, 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) notified the first confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9). As at December 2, a total of 139 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been confirmed in the Mainland across 10 provinces and 2 municipalities, including 2 cases in Guangdong. In addition, the health authorities of Taiwan also reported one imported case from Jiangsu.

??On December 2, 2013, Hong Kong confirmed the first human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. On the day of confirmation, the Government escalated the response level under the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic from "Alert" to "Serious". On December 2 and 3 respectively, I chaired the Serious Response Level Steering Committee to co-ordinate the response measures by relevant bureaux and departments. We note that some press reports have alleged a delay in the identification of the case of avian influenza A(H7N9).

??I would like to clarify that the Hospital Authority (HA) took specimens of the patient on November 28 and 30, 2013 respectively for preliminary rapid tests, but the results were negative.

??On December 2, 2013, HA did further tests on the patient and the results were only confirmed positive at the time.

(a) ??According to epidemiological and laboratory investigation, contact with infected poultry or visiting wet markets with live poultry are important risk factors of human infection caused by the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. At present, there is no evidence showing that avian influenza A(H7N9) virus can cause sustained human-to-human transmission, and the risk of community outbreaks remains low.

??As regards the confirmed case in Hong Kong, according to our preliminary investigation, we believe it is likely an imported sporadic case. A number of people who have had close contact with the patient have received rapid testing and the results so far have been negative.

??We will continue to closely monitor the developments and continue to investigate the source of infection and mode of transmission of the case, in order to conduct risk assessment in greater detail.

(b) and (c) ??The Government has been adopting the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic in taking measures for preparedness and response in case of an influenza pandemic. The document defines the response levels, the corresponding command structures to be set up, and measures to be taken.

To make better preparations for influenza pandemic, on-going preventive measures adopted by the Government include:

• (i) Enhanced surveillance:
  • Influenza A(H7) is a statutorily notifiable disease and the virus is a scheduled infectious agent under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599). Any suspected or confirmed cases are required to be notified to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). On the other hand, CHP works with HA and private hospitals to enhance laboratory testing. DH also reviews its laboratory diagnostic strategy, enhances diagnostic service capacity, stockpiles necessary reagents and strengthens liaison with overseas counterparts on collection of updated information.
  
  
• (ii) Liaison with other health authorities:
  • All along, CHP maintains liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest development, obtain timely and accurate information from places outside Hong Kong, and will modify local surveillance activities according to recommendations issued by the WHO.
  
  
• (iii) Enhanced port health measures:
  • DH has implemented a series of port health measures, including the display of posters about the disease at all boundary control points, delivery of health leaflets to arriving travellers coming from affected places, regular updates to the tourism industry through meetings and correspondences, enhanced surveillance of sick travellers and referral of suspected cases to public hospitals for further investigation. DH will continue to monitor and follow up on relevant recommendations on port health measures made by the WHO.
  
  
• (iv) Prompt control and transparency in dissemination of results:
  • Any suspected case fulfilling the reporting criteria and notified to CHP will be immediately isolated in a hospital setting. Specimens from the patient will be sent to the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of CHP for testing. DH will release any positive testing results to the public as soon as possible.
  
  
• (v) Infection control in healthcare settings:
  • DH has provided guidelines on infection control to healthcare professionals, residential care homes and schools. It has also organised training to provide updated information to healthcare workers. Moreover, DH has collaborated with HA to set up a referral mechanism for cases from private sectors. DH has also urged the management of all private hospitals to be vigilant and to enhance their preparedness against the disease. They are advised to review and update the infection control guidelines and contingency plans in view of the latest development of the disease, and to ensure sufficient stock of personal protective equipment. Briefings for the hospital management and the healthcare workers have been arranged to provide them with the latest information on the disease and training on the related infection control measures.
  
  
• (vi) Enhanced risk communication:
  • DH promulgates in press releases and public announcements that travellers returning from affected places presenting with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel and contact history to doctors. DH also provides updates on the disease and health advice to members of the public.
  
  
• (vii) Publicity and public education:
  • DH has organised various health education activities and provided health advice on the prevention of the disease, personal hygiene and environmental hygiene, targeting the general public as well as specific sectors of the community. DH has reminded and will continue to remind members of the public to take heed of personal hygiene, especially washing hands. A dedicated page has been set up on the CHP website which carries the latest information on the disease, guidelines for different sectors of the community and health advice. There is also a communication plan in the HA which includes staff forums, designated infectious disease information corners, establishment of a website etc.
  
  
• (viii) Contingency plan and drills for concerted interdepartmental actions:
  • DH will continue to update contingency plans on major outbreaks of infectious diseases, as well as conduct interdepartmental exercises and drills with concerned parties and stakeholders in close partnership. HA's designated contingency plans are in place. Since CHP was established in 2004, it has organised 13 exercises testing the preparedness and responsiveness of relevant departments on public health actions.

??In connection with the first confirmed case of human infection of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong, the Serious Response Level Steering Committee set up under the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic held a discussion and decided to, in addition to strengthening various on-going measures, adopt special measures as follows:

• (i) CHP has taken immediate action and successfully located 17 close contacts and more than 200 other contacts of the first case.
  • Seventeen close contacts of the patient have been quarantined and prescribed with Tamiflu prophylaxis.
  • Close contacts without symptoms will be arranged to stay in non-hospitalised quarantine facilities.
  • The Lady MacLehose Holiday Village of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in Sai Kung has been converted as a quarantine centre and is ready to receive asymptomatic close contacts.
  
  
• (ii) HA has also activated the Serious Response Level in public hospitals since December 3.
  • Frontline hospital staff at accident and emergency departments and general outpatient clinics are reminded to stay vigilant to patients seeking consultation at public hospitals.
  • Enhanced surveillance and patient triage guidelines are in place to ensure timely reporting and early arrangement of clinical tests.
  • More stringent infection control measures are enforced in public hospitals, which include restrictions on visiting.
  • Visitors to public hospitals and clinics are now required to put on surgical masks and perform hand hygiene before and after visiting patient areas.
  • An expert working group under HA has met to discuss the treatment protocol of human infections of avian influenza A(H7N9).
  
  
• (iii) With regard to imported live poultry, in this first case of confirmed human contraction with avian influenza A (H7N9) in Hong Kong, the patient has reportedly visited a live bird market in Shenzhen, slaughtered and cooked a live chicken for consumption. However, details are not available.
  • As a precautionary measure, we have suspended the import of live poultry from the registered farms in Shenzhen.
  • CHP will continue to trace the possible source of infection of the patient.
  • Upon availability of further information, we will discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities the import suspension arrangement on live poultry.
  
  
• (iv) The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has stepped up cleansing and disinfection of retail outlets for live poultry, as well as enhanced inspection to ensure strict compliance with the rule against overnight stocking of live poultry. FEHD has also disinfected the patient's residence.
• (v) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted visits to 15 local chicken farms and taken specimens for testing on December 3. No irregularity was detected. It will conduct visits to the remaining 15 local chicken farms today. At the same time, AFCD will continue to inspect the poultry wholesale market, Yuen Po Street Bird Garden and pet bird shops etc. to ensure that the birds are in healthy and normal condition. It has also issued letters to the trade reminding them to stay alert and strictly follow the biosecurity and hygiene measures. AFCD will continue to take samples from dead birds and poultry for testing of avian influenza.
• (vi) The confirmed case has been notified to the WHO, the NHFPC, the health authorities of Guangdong and Macau, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the Mainland as well as quarantine authorities of Guangdong, Zhuhai and Macau. We have liaised with the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau in paying attention to travellers and cross-boundary students who present with fever or are symptomatic. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation.
• (vii) In addition to a dedicated webpage, CHP has also set up a hotline at 2125 1111 to answer the public's questions. The hotline operates from 9am to 6pm.

??Thank you, President.??


Ends/Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:26
NNNN


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[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: RTHK, full text: (LINK).]


Hong Kong, Woman with H7N9 remains critical

04-12-2013


Health officials say the indonesian helper who contracted the H7N9 virus remains in critical condition in hospital.

They say she's developed fever, but her vital organs are still functioning.

A patient who shared a ward with the woman in Tuen Mun Hospital has developed flu symtoms.

Meanwhile. the Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, has said there is no need at this point to fully suspend the import of live chickens from the mainland. He also said that requiring people to fill out health declaration forms when entering the SAR wouldn't be very useful.

However, Civic Party lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki disagreed. He said that the administration needs to take all necessary measures to tackle the threat posed by the virus.


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[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: RTHK, full text in Chinese: (LINK). Automatic translation.]


Hong Kong, Indonesian worker with H7N9 infection still in critical condition; 220 contacts under surveillance


Indonesian worker infected with H7N9 avian influenza virus remains in critical condition.

Authorities are ready to Lady MacLehose Holiday Village, so that one of the five asymptomatic close contacts to move, ten days confinement, but as the evening 6:00 yet stay.

There are currently 220 people in any other contacts who are receiving medical surveillance, an increase compared to the previous 20.


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[sharon sanders]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

‘’I would like to clarify that the Hospital Authority (HA) took specimens of the patient on November 28 and 30, 2013 respectively for preliminary rapid tests, but the results were negative.

‘’On December 2, 2013, HA did further tests on the patient and the results were only confirmed positive at the time.

It is very disconcerting that the rapid test came back negative twice in a person with clinical symptoms. Assuming competent personnel the test kits must be flawed.

[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

It is not stated but it is quite possible that to the patient was administered oseltamivir, with initial reduction of viral load.

Rapid tests may be not reliable, and low viral titers in nose-throat may have further reduced the sensitivity of these tools.

[Giuseppe]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]


Epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions by CHP on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 4) provided an update on the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

"The CHP's epidemiological investigation, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education have been in full swing since the Government escalated the response level under the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic from 'Alert' to 'Serious'," a spokesman for the DH remarked.

As of 2pm today, no additional close contacts have been identified.
The number of close contacts located remains at 17 while there are over 220 other contacts.

Details are as follows:

• (A) Specimens of the 17 close contacts all tested negative for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP.
  • They were prescribed with the antiviral Tamiflu prophylaxis and have to be quarantined for 10 days since their last contact with the patient.
  • During isolation, if their health conditions change, further testing and surveillance will be conducted.
    • They include:
      • 1. Ten home contacts (including four with non-specific symptoms);
      • 2. A female collateral aged 33, who visited Shenzhen with the patient; and
      • 3. Six patients in Tuen Mun Hospital who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient (including one with non-specific symptoms).
    
    
  • Asymptomatic close contacts will be arranged to stay in the quarantine centre in Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung.
  • It has been equipped with basic residential facilities, including suitable bungalows, rooms and activity premises.
  
  
• (B) Over 220 other contacts, including two private doctors whom the patient consulted, their clinic staff, patients and accompanying relatives, health-care workers of Tuen Mun Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital and the ambulance service, and relevant hospital visitors, have remained well so far.
  • Medical surveillance is ongoing and they have been offered Tamiflu prophylaxis.

The epidemiological investigation by the CHP, including contact tracing and tracing the source of infection, is ongoing.

"Upon the PHLSB's analysis, the genes of the virus of the confirmed case do not show any significant difference from the avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses isolated from human cases detected so far in the Mainland.

There is also no evidence of genetic reassortment nor resistance to Tamiflu.

We will continue to liaise and share the gene sequence based on established arrangements," the spokesman stressed.

Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is under way. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.

"All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are well in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices," the spokesman remarked.

The Port Health Office of the DH has maintained liaison with the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau while being on the alert for travellers and also cross-boundary students with fever or other symptoms. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation.

Regarding health education to travellers at BCPs, distribution of health education pamphlets, the display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.

"We have enhanced publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. Meanwhile, consulates, foreign domestic helpers' associations and non-governmental organisations serving ethnic minorities have been notified of the case, the latest developments and the preventive measures. Health educational materials are being distributed through them," the spokesman added.

An array of key publicity materials of the CHP, including those on avian influenza, influenza, guidelines for proper hand washing and personal and environmental hygiene in various languages, including Indonesian, Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai and Tagalog, can be accessed in the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/submenu/424.html ).

The CHP's hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries and operates from 9am to 6pm. As of 4pm today, 37 enquiries were received.

"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas, with fever or respiratory symptoms are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas," the spokesman advised.

The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and to avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:

• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
• Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
• Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html ) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf ) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.


Ends/Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:11
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[Pathfinder]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

It appears they have commissioned a hotel facility for use as a quarantine center.

"Located within Sai Kung Country Parks at Pak Tam, Sai Kung, the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village has an air of tranquility and presents a charming view of the woody hillsides. Each bungalow, which can accommodate 3 to 15 persons, is self-contained with a sitting room, bedroom(s) and a toilet with shower facilities.

The Camp has a capacity of 280 campers. Hirers please note that Camp facilities, such as bungalows, recreational facilities, canteen, etc., are located on different spots of a slope and connected by pavements."

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/camp/en/p_lmhv.php

From Sharon's link:
<TABLE width=500><!-- <tr> <td>For camp places available between July 1 and September 30 and related booking procedures, please visit here. </td> </tr>--><TBODY><TR><TD>Available of Camp Places for next 30 days: <TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=500 bgColor=#000000><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#dfd296 height=30 vAlign=middle rowSpan=2 align=center>Date</TD><TD bgColor=#dfd296 height=30 vAlign=middle colSpan=3 align=center>Camp Places Available</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#dfd296 height=30 vAlign=middle align=center>Day Camp</TD><TD bgColor=#dfd296 height=30 vAlign=middle align=center>Evening Camp</TD><TD bgColor=#dfd296 height=30 vAlign=middle align=center>Residential Camp</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.04
Wednesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.05
Thursday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.06
Friday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.07
Saturday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.08
Sunday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.09
Monday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.10
Tuesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.11
Wednesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.12
Thursday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.13
Friday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.14
Saturday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.15
Sunday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.16
Monday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.17
Tuesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.18
Wednesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.19
Thursday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.20
Friday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.21
Saturday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.22
Sunday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.23
Monday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.24
Tuesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.25
Wednesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.26
Thursday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.27
Friday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.28
Saturday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.29
Sunday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2013.12.30
Monday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2013.12.31
Tuesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#fafafa><TD align=center>2014.01.01
Wednesday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f1f1f1><TD align=center>2014.01.02
Thursday
</TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD><TD align=center>Closed </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=500><TBODY><TR><TD>For booking procedures details, please refer to the booking form and booking guide.</TD></TR><TR><TD>For contact of holiday camps, office hours for booking and payment, please contact us.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/camp/en/p_lmhv.php</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Pathfinder]

Re: China - Woman, 36, hospitalized in Hong Kong as confirmed H7N9 case - travel history to Shenzhen, Guangdong poultry market

Travellers to Hong Kong tested as Shenzhen stalls

Health Department sends 40 staff to borders as temperature checks beefed up in wake of H7N9 infection, but Shenzhen wet markets still open

PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 04 December, 2013, 7:38pm
UPDATED : Thursday, 05 December, 2013, 4:10am

Hong Kong has stepped up border checks on travellers as part of a contingency plan after an Indonesian domestic helper who slaughtered and cooked a chicken on a trip to Shenzhen was confirmed as the first local case of the fatal H7N9 strain of bird flu.

The large-scale preventive actions contrast sharply with the muted response of authorities in Shenzhen, where all wet markets, including those selling live poultry, remain open.

All 17 people who had been isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung after they were identified to be most at risk of contracting H7N9 from Tri Mawarti tested negative, the Centre for Health Protection said.

The tests were believed to be fairly accurate diagnostic tools for the virus, after medical experts warned Tri's infection was detected only after a third test.

"The risk of a community outbreak in Hong Kong remains low as there is so far no evidence of the virus spreading among humans," Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man said.
...
zhttp://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1373030/travellers-hong-kong-tested-shenzhen-stalls