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Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January to March 2009)

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  • #16
    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

    Hong Kong: Close watch on outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (1/12/2009) [CHP]

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 12) urged members of the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infection by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.


    The appeal was made during CHP's investigation of an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in a hostel in Central and Western District.

    As of today, 22 people are affected.

    Eighteen residents and four staff members, comprising nine men and 13 women aged from 21 to 60, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between December 24 and January 11.

    Twenty of them had consulted doctors and none required hospitalisation.

    All of the affected are in stable condition.

    CHP officials have visited the institution and provided health advice to the staff.

    To prevent respiratory tract infection, people are advised to adopt the following measures:
    * Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
    * Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
    * Maintain good ventilation; and
    * Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

    People, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult doctors promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
    -

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    • #17
      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

      Hong Kong: Legionnaires' disease tests on spa pool water are positive (1/12/2009) [CHP]

      A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (January 12) that further laboratory tests on water samples taken from a spa pool in a private club house in Discovery Bay confirmed positive growth for Legionella, a type of bacteria that caused legionnaires disease.


      CHP's investigations revealed that a 38-year-old man had developed symptoms of legionnaires disease after using the spa pool in the club house last month. He is now under treatment in a private hospital and is in a stable condition.

      As Legionella survives and multiplies in natural fresh water, the spokesman called on operators and owners of man-made water systems to keep the facilities in good condition and to carry out thorough disinfection and cleansing on a regular basis.

      These man-made water systems include cooling towers, air handling unit / fan coil unit of the air-conditioning systems, air washers, humidifiers, hot / cold water systems, architectural fountains, spa pools, swimming pools and misting devices.

      Meanwhile, the hotline 2125 1122 set up by the CHP to provide health information on legionnaires disease have received 66 enquiries, 40 of which are from people who had visited the facilities of the clubhouse. None of the callers have symptoms of legionnaires' disease.

      The hotline is operating from 9am to 5pm.

      To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:

      An individual may reduce their susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
      *People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
      -Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
      -Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
      -Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
      -Prevent working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses and
      -Wash hands carefully afterwards.
      *Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems.

      For more information about good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.

      Information on legionnaires disease and advice on preventive measures can also be found on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
      -

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      • #18
        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

        Hong Kong: LCQ17: Stockpiling of antiviral drugs (1/14/2009) [LCQ]

        Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (January 14):


        Question:
        Will the Government inform this Council of:
        (a) the details of the drugs and vaccines procured by the Government in each of the past five years for the purposes of coping with and taking precaution against influenza pandemics (including setting out the quantity of each type of drugs/vaccines, the expenditure involved, the target and actual stockpile levels, as well as the quantity of drugs/vaccines in each procurement batch according to their expiry date); and
        (b) the actions taken by the authorities when such drugs/vaccines are approaching their expiry dates, in order to maintain the stockpile levels of potent drugs/vaccines?

        Reply:
        President,
        (a) The stockpiling of antiviral drugs is an important element in the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic.
        On the advice of its Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (SCEZD), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has stockpiled antiviral drugs to prepare for emergency situations.
        Currently, the stockpiling of antiviral drugs includes both oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
        In the financial year 2005/06, the Legislative Council approved a funding of $254 million for the Government to increase the stockpile level of antiviral drugs against avian influenza from 3.7 million doses to about 20 million doses.
        Types and quantity of drugs against avian influenza procured by DH and the expenditure involved in the financial years 2004/05 to 2008/09 are tabulated in Table 1. DH checks regularly the expiry dates of drugs so as to ensure their potency.
        Among the existing stockpile of drugs against avian influenza, 1,003,910 doses have expired, while the remaining 19,646,250 doses are still unexpired.
        Details of the unexpired drugs are set out in Table 2.
        Regarding human vaccines against H5 avian influenza virus, the SCEZD of CHP is deliberating the stockpiling of the vaccines and the target groups for vaccination, taking into account the efficacy, safety and quality assurance of the vaccines.
        Given that the SCEZD has yet to come up with a conclusion, no human vaccines have been procured or stockpiled by DH at the present moment.
        DH will keep in view the situation of avian influenza and the latest scientific research on human vaccines against H5 avian influenza virus.
        The expert opinion of the SCEZD will also be sought.

        (b) DH has been closely monitoring the Shelf Life of the antiviral drugs and their updated application.
        DH will update the antiviral stockpiling strategies from time to time, taking into account the recommendations of the SCEZD and World Health Organisation, and seek funding approval from the Legislative Council to procure antiviral drugs as and when necessary.
        -

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        • #19
          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

          Hong Kong: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Shandong (1/19/2009) [CHP]

          The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 18) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Shandong.


          A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 27-year-old woman living in Shandong Province. She developed symptoms on January 5 and passed away on January 17. Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive to H5N1.

          The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH to obtain more information on the case.

          The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
          * Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
          * Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
          * Wash hands frequently;
          * Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
          * Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
          * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
          * When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

          For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
          -

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          • #20
            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

            Hong Kong: SFH on avian influenza (1/19/2009) [SFH]

            Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session after attending a public function today (January 19):

            Secretary for Food and Health:
            We are concerned about the three human cases in the Mainland in the last month, particularly all three cases were reported with avian flu and yet they are not connected directly with any outbreak of avian flu in poultry.
            This is one of the concerns that we have.
            We have also requested the Mainland authorities to let us know when they finish the epidemiological study of these cases.
            There are two main areas that we are concerned with, one is if there is no avian flu outbreak in poultry and yet there are human cases, whether there is a change in the virus.
            Secondly, whether there are more so called silently infected chickens that actually have the potential of carrying the virus and transmitting the disease and yet do not show any symptoms of illness or do not actually die from those illnesses.
            So, these are the things we are concerned with.
            Because of that, we have decided that we would not increase the number of imported chickens from the Mainland this year so that we would not change the pattern of trading and transport during this period of time.
            I know that this might be of concern to the trade themselves and this would also lead to the increase in prices.
            Balancing the different factors, we think this is the appropriate decision to make.

            Reporter:
            If you did not increase the import of chickens over the Lunar New Year, there would be an increase in smuggling activities of chickens from the Mainland.

            Secretary for Food and Health:
            We have already informed all the concerned departments including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department as well as the Hong Kong Customs to ensure that we would be very vigilant in tracing any clues regarding smuggling and also counteracting any smuggling activities.
            I have also to appeal to the public that they should be careful when they are approached by anybody who wants to sell chickens of unknown sources, particularly if you go abroad outside Hong Kong, be careful not to get in contact with poultry, and do not actually buy any poultry meat and take it back to Hong Kong.

            Reporter:
            Regarding the case where a chicken trader committed suicide on Saturday, what is your response to that?

            Secretary for Food and Health:
            I would like to urge the trade to remain calm and rational about their actions.
            As you know, we have to judge the risk of avian flu in Hong Kong, the risk of smuggling poultry into Hong Kong and various activities of the trade before we made this decision.
            I hope they would understand this.
            We estimate that the price of live chickens would increase.
            In previous years during Chinese New Year, they increase anyway.
            But I believe this year, the price would be even higher than the past year.

            Reporter:
            (link to the risk of bird flu)

            Secretary for Food and Health:
            As long as we keep to the existing number of imports and also the number of chickens that would be coming out from the local farms, I believe that the trade would still have substantial business, although it might not be as vibrant as the past years.

            Reporter:
            Are you surprised that the past few infections are all female...

            Secretary for Food and Health:
            It is really difficult to draw a conclusion on just three cases.
            But as you know, it is usually the female who goes to the market, the female to look after the chickens at home.
            I think the kids would play with the chickens at home.
            Even in the 300 cases in the whole world, there are more children, particularly more vulnerable to avian flu.

            (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
            -

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            • #21
              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

              Hong Kong: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Hunan (1/19/2009) [CHP]

              The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 19) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Hunan.


              A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 16-year-old boy living in Guizhou Province. He developed symptoms of avian influenza on January 8.

              He is now admitted to a Hunan hospital for treatment.

              He is in critical condition.

              The boy had contact with dead poultry before onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.

              The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH to obtain more information on the case.

              The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
              * Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
              * Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
              * Wash hands frequently;
              * Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
              * Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
              * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
              * When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

              For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
              -

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              • #22
                Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                Hong Kong: CHP gears up flu prevention measures before arrival of flu season (1/19/2009) [CHP]

                The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is implementing a series of measures before the arrival of the influenza season in order to gear up the community to prevent influenza, Controller of the CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang, said today (January 19).


                While current influenza activity has been stable, Dr Tsang said he expected the flu season could arrive some time over the next four weeks. Dr Tsang said five health talks for managements of schools and child care centres on the prevention of influenza were planned by the CHP in collaboration with the Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department.

                The first health talk was given today. "An updated guideline on prevention of communicable diseases in schools, kindergartens and child care centres with highlights on hygiene and infection control measures was introduced in the talk.

                "School managements have been briefed on the criteria of class suspension when there is a flu outbreak in their schools. They have also been advised to keep parents properly informed about the latest situation," Dr Tsang said.

                More health talks of this kind would be delivered in the coming few weeks for schools and other institutions, he noted. The CHP has sent a letter via the Education Bureau reminding schools with significant intake of cross-border students about the importance of regular and thorough disinfection of school buses.

                These schools were also asked to remind parents of cross-border children not to send their children with influenza symptoms to attend school under 48 hours after fever has subsided. Dr Tsang said the CHP would publish on its website (www.chp.gov.hk) every weekday starting today the names of schools and other institutions with influenza-like-illness outbreaks reported during the past 24 hours (cut-off time at noon). Other influenza related data and statistics will also be uploaded to inform the community about the latest situation. Dr Tsang said he expected an increase in the number of schools reporting influenza outbreaks as Hong Kong approaches the flu season.

                During 2005-07, the highest number of institutional outbreaks of influenza-like-illness reported every week during the flu season was between 10 and 32.

                In 2008, the highest weekly number of outbreaks was 106. "Anticipating the arrival of the flu season over the next few weeks, we will enhance publicity on television and radio through Announcements of Public Interest," Dr Tsang said. Noting that influenza can result in complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis and sepsis, Dr Tsang said influenza was also a common cause of hospitalisation among children in Hong Kong. "During the year 2008, about 1,200 children aged 12 years or below were hospitalised in hospitals under the Hospital Authority due to influenza, while the figures for 2007 was about 1,400," he said.

                The CHP, the Hospital Authority and private hospitals would maintain a high degree of surveillance on the trend of influenza-related complications in children, he said. Dr Tsang appealed to people who are at higher risk of complications from influenza to get vaccinated against the disease if they have not already done so. So far over 260,000 doses of flu vaccines have been administered to eligible target groups under the current Government Influenza Vaccination Programme (GIVP). It will last as long as the vaccine stock lasts. Meanwhile, some 75,000 doses of flu vaccines have been administered to target children under the new Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (IVSS). Dr Tsang said the vaccine would confer protection against influenza related complications and lead to fewer hospital admissions. "Target groups under the GIVP and IVSS should get vaccinated as soon as possible as the flu season is around the corner," he said.

                He advised children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases to consult their doctors for medical advice promptly and take more rest at home if they have influenza-like symptoms.

                To prevent influenza, people are also advised to
                * Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
                * Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
                * Maintain good ventilation;
                * Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
                -

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                • #23
                  Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                  Hong Kong: CHP urges vigilance against community-associated MRSA (1/20/2009) [CHP]

                  The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 20) called on people to be vigilant against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.


                  The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 44-year-old woman living in Eastern District.

                  She developed an abscess over her buttock on January 5 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on January 8 for fever. She developed shortness of breath and chest infection on January 10. Her clinical samples grew CA-MRSA. She is currently in the hospital in stable condition.

                  The CHP's investigations showed that she had visited the Philippines from December 20, 2008, to January 4, 2009. Her household contacts in Hong Kong did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA.

                  MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide. In recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalised or stayed in other healthcare facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the past one year prior to onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance. It is widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance.

                  Members of the public are advised not to use antibiotics without medical advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage.

                  Members of the public are advised to observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently.

                  For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk.
                  -

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                  • #24
                    Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                    Hong Kong: 12 Hong Kong Students hospitalised at Chengdu, Sichuan (1/23/2009) [CHP]

                    "The Immigration Department has learnt that 12 Hong Kong students in Chengdu, Sichuan were feeling unwell and required hospitalisation," a Government's spokesman said today (January 23).


                    Staff of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chengdu Economic and Trade Office (CDETO) have visited them to see their situation.

                    The students are members of a group of students and teachers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

                    The group arrived at Chengdu on January 17 and is scheduled to return to Hong Kong via Chongqing today.

                    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has liaised with Chengdu health authority with regard to the medical conditions of the affected students.

                    The 12 affected students experienced mild flu like symptoms such as sore throat and cough since January 19.

                    One of them was diagnosed to have chest infection, and is now in stable condition.

                    They have been admitted to the West China Hospital, Sichuan University.

                    According to the clinical diagnosis of the attending doctor, the students have ordinary seasonal influenza.

                    They have not had contact with any poultry.

                    The relevant Government departments will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities, with a view to providing assistance to the affected students.

                    The Department of Health will follow up on the medical conditions of the students when they return to Hong Kong.

                    Furthermore, the other 18 students and their tutors did not experience flu like symptoms.

                    They will return to Hong Kong later today as scheduled.

                    Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
                    -

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                    • #25
                      Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                      Hong Kong: Update on Hong Kong students returned from Chengdu (1/24/2009) [CHP]

                      A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) said three of the 18 students and the group leader who returned from Chengdu yesterday developed symptoms compatible with influenza infection.

                      CHP investigation revealed that the four people, comprising two male and two female aged between 18 and 27, developed fever, sore throat, cough and runny nose.

                      They have been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital in stable condition.

                      Two of the four specimens taken from them showed positive result for influenza A (H1).

                      All specimens showed negative result for influenza H5.

                      The laboratory results showed that they were suffering from ordinary seasonal influenza and not avian influenza H5.

                      They are among a delegation from the Chinese University of Hong Kong which left for Sichuan on January 17.

                      The remaining 15 students do not have any symptoms of influenza infection.
                      -

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                      • #26
                        Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                        Hong Kong: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Xinjiang (1/24/2009) [CHP]

                        The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 24) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.


                        A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 31-year-old woman living in Urumqi. She developed symptoms on January 10 and passed away on January 23.

                        The woman had history of exposure at live poultry market before onset of symptoms.

                        Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.

                        The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH to obtain more information on the case.

                        The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
                        * Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
                        * Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
                        * Wash hands frequently;
                        * Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
                        * Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
                        * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
                        * When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

                        For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
                        -

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                        • #27
                          Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                          Hong Kong: Remaining HK students returning from Chengdu (1/24/2009) [CHP]

                          A Government spokesman said today (January 24) that the remaining 12 students and two tutors of a Chinese University delegation have just departed from Chengdu on their way back to Hong Kong.

                          They are accompanied by a doctor throughout the journey.

                          The last three students who had been hospitalised in a Chengdu hospital were discharged this morning.

                          The Department of Health will follow up on the medical conditions of the students and tutors after they have returned to Hong Kong.

                          Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
                          -

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                          • #28
                            Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                            Hong Kong: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Guizhou (1/25/2009) [CHP]

                            The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 25) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guizhou Province.


                            A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 29-year-old man living in Guiyang.

                            He developed symptoms on January 15 and is admitted in a hospital for treatment.

                            He is in critical condition.

                            The man had history of exposure at live poultry market before onset of symptoms.

                            Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.

                            The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the MoH to obtain more information on the case.

                            The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
                            * Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
                            * Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
                            * Wash hands frequently;
                            * Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
                            * Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
                            * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever;
                            * When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

                            For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
                            -

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                            • #29
                              Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                              Hong Kong: Report under paediatric surveillance programme (1/25/2009) [CHP]

                              A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said a new report involving a two-year-old boy was received today (January 25) through the paediatric surveillance programme set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.


                              Initial enquiries revealed that the boy presented with fever on January 17 and sought medical consultation from a private doctor.

                              The condition of the boy became worse yesterday and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital by ambulance.

                              He died on the same day.

                              Further tests will be done to ascertain the cause of his death. The findings will be reported to the coroner.

                              The boy had no travel history and did not have history of contact with poultry

                              His family members did not have any similar symptoms.

                              The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert by taking precautionary hygiene measures against infectious diseases.

                              They are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

                              More details of preventive tips are available on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
                              -

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                              • #30
                                Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

                                Source: http://www.hkdailynews.com.hk/news.php?id=23663

                                Google translation:
                                Pakistani sudden death two-year-old child with fever

                                【新報訊】一名住在筲箕灣的巴基斯坦裔兩歲男童發燒,昨日送往東區醫院不治死亡,衛生防護中心說,男童的死 因有待進一步化驗才能確定,報告將交死因裁判庭。 There is a pediatrician warned that Hong Kong entered the usual peak season for influenza, during the Lunar New Year, many children will be with his family traveled outside New Year, but the flow-density areas, are vulnerable to the spread of influenza, but also may lead to their own children with influenza-like illnesses condition deteriorated.

                                The cause of death required further tests

                                Center for Health Protection said that after receiving a two-year old boy died after the report of fever, the boy was on the 17th of this month with fever symptoms have to see private doctors, the situation deteriorated yesterday, and sent to Eastern Hospital by ambulance, died the same day. CHP said that the boy did not travel history and no contact with poultry, living with his parents and two sisters, do not have any symptoms, the boy's cause of death needs to be further tests,
                                the report will be handed over to the Coroner's Court.
                                Zhongshan University associate professor of pediatrics Han Jin Lun believes that parents should try to avoid the near future to bring children to crowded places, such as airports and railway stations, or Happy New Year to the Mainland may also be infected with influenza or other infectious virus. China's recent outbreak of avian flu, we need more vigilant and fever should wear a mask if suffering from a serious flu, they should stay at home so as to avoid a deterioration in their conditions.

                                Has entered the usual peak season for influenza

                                Hong Kong Director of the Center for infection and infectious diseases al He said that within one month appeared six cases of human infection from the number appears in the Mainland has been a record. Since 2003, appeared the first human infection of avian influenza after a short period of time have never been triggered so many cases.
                                Although this case seems not directly related, but whether the birds there are changes in the epidemiological, have led to the present situation in the Mainland. Therefore, in the live poultry market in the epidemiological analysis is very important.

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