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Archive - Hong Kong PRC SAR, pandemic influenza, information update, news (January to March 2010)

Hong Kong: vigilance against seasonal influenza urged (Influenza B = 63.5% of total samples tested positive)

Hong Kong: vigilance against seasonal influenza urged (Influenza B = 63.5% of total samples tested positive)

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 4) called on members of the public to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza. A CHP spokesman said the centre had been closely monitoring influenza activity. The latest surveillance data showed an apparent increase in seasonal influenza activity in the community.

The average consultation rate for influenza-like-illness (ILI) among sentinel private doctors rose from 42.8 per 1,000 consultations in the week ending February 20 to 55.1 in the week ending February 27. In the same period, the number of patients with fever/respiratory symptoms attending Designated Flu Clinics also increased from 410 to 704. The CHP recorded 28 ILI outbreaks in institutions affecting at least 154 persons in the first five days (February 28 - March 4) of the current week.

Influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) also indicated a rise, the spokesman said. The PHLC recorded 85 influenza detections last week (February 21 to 27) compared with 44 influenza detections from February 14 to 20. Among the 85 influenza viruses isolated last week, the majority were influenza B virus (63.5%) while human swine influenza (HSI) virus accounted for 22.4% and influenza A (H3N2) virus about 1% of all isolates.

The currently used seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2009-2010 northern hemisphere influenza season is expected to confer certain cross protection against this influenza B virus. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong usually occurs during February and March. "More data over the coming one to two weeks will be needed to show more definitively that Hong Kong is entering the winter influenza season.

We will closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said. He added that as a preventive measure, the CHP will send letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them to the current influenza situation and provide advice on prevention and control. The spokesman reminded members of the public to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses: *Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking; *Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene; *Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; *Maintain good ventilation; and *Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

Source: HKSAR Government

http://7thspace.com/headlines/33709...ampaign=Feed: 7thspace (7thSpace Interactive)
 
Re: Hong Kong: vigilance against seasonal influenza urged

Re: Hong Kong: vigilance against seasonal influenza urged

Hong Kong: Vigilance against seasonal influenza urged (3/4/10)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 4) called on members of the public to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza.

A CHP spokesman said the centre had been closely monitoring influenza activity. The latest surveillance data showed an apparent increase in seasonal influenza activity in the community. The average consultation rate for influenza-like-illness (ILI) among sentinel private doctors rose from 42.8 per 1,000 consultations in the week ending February 20 to 55.1 in the week ending February 27.

In the same period, the number of patients with fever/respiratory symptoms attending Designated Flu Clinics also increased from 410 to 704.

The CHP recorded 28 ILI outbreaks in institutions affecting at least 154 persons in the first five days (February 28 - March 4) of the current week.

Influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) also indicated a rise, the spokesman said. The PHLC recorded 85 influenza detections last week (February 21 to 27) compared with 44 influenza detections from February 14 to 20. Among the 85 influenza viruses isolated last week, the majority were influenza B virus (63.5%) while human swine influenza (HSI) virus accounted for 22.4% and influenza A (H3N2) virus about 1% of all isolates.

The currently used seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2009-2010 northern hemisphere influenza season is expected to confer certain cross protection against this influenza B virus.

The winter influenza season in Hong Kong usually occurs during February and March.

"More data over the coming one to two weeks will be needed to show more definitively that Hong Kong is entering the winter influenza season. We will closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said. He added that as a preventive measure, the CHP will send letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them to the current influenza situation and provide advice on prevention and control.

The spokesman reminded members of the public to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

*Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
*Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
*Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
*Maintain good ventilation; and
*Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
-

View Original Article
 
Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/4/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/4/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/4/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) today (March 4) provided the following wrap up of the past week:

In the past week (February 25 to March 3), a total of 975 patients with flu-like symptoms attended the DFCs. Among all confirmed human swine influenza patients, 48 are now staying in public hospitals for treatment, with 39 in stable condition, four in serious and five in critical condition.

Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases in the past week included four female staff members of public hospitals, comprising two nurses and two supporting staff. So far 1,357 HA staff members have been confirmed with human swine influenza.

Among them, 1,355 have recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded members of the public that the eight DFCs run a half-day service from 9am to 1pm during weekends and public holidays, while full-day service (9am to 5pm) is maintained from Mondays to Fridays.
-

View Original Article
 
Hong Kong finds H1N1 mutation in pigs

Hong Kong finds H1N1 mutation in pigs

http://www.porkworld.com.br/default.php?acao=documento&cod=9092

Hong Kong finds H1N1 mutation in pigs

Source: PigProgress05/03/2010 - 10:26

In the regular program of surveillance of the influenza virus, the University of Hong Kong(HKU) found that a sample from a pig in a slaughterhouse in early January, it contained a virus that was essentially the swine influenza (SIV), but also had characteristics of the gene of H1N1 pandemic due to genetic mutation.

The event is not unusual since the very pandemic H1N1 is itself a multiple mutation. The report says this may be occurring around the world and the discovery in Hong Kong was just a result of intensive surveillance. The report notes that there is no cause for alarm for the public health and that pork is still completely safe for consumption.

Although not entirely unexpected, is the first time that the mutant virus was found in the surveillance program. More tests are being conducted by the university to determine whether there are specific features of this strain.

A spokesman for the Center for Health Protection of the country said the laboratory of the Ministry of Health found no sign that the virus is present in the population of Hong Kong at this time. The surveillance of influenza in humans still intense. And that preliminary results showed that the virus is sensitive to the antiviral drug oseltamivir.

"The sample was taken from a pig imported from the mainland. We have informed the mainland authorities to tighten monitoring and supervision of registered farms supplying live pigs to Hong Kong," said the spokesman.

All pigs imported from the continent come from registered farms and are accompanied by health certificates issued by the Mainland authorities. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will also carry out inspection at the point of border control. The pigs have to go through tests before and after slaughter. Only inspected can be supplied to the market.

Authorities returned to remind employees of the blast and the people who may be in contact with live pigs to pay attention to personal hygiene and wear masks and protective equipment suitable for the work. To date, more than a third of the people involved in the production and trade of pigs slaughtered have received the flu vaccine A.
 
Hong Kong:newly confirmed critical human swine influenza case

Hong Kong:newly confirmed critical human swine influenza case

Authority: The spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today (March 7) made announcement regarding a newly confirmed critical human swine influenza (HSI) case: A 56-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus attended the Accident and Emergency Department yesterday (March 6) due to fever, cough and chest infection.She was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and positive result of HSI was confirmed on the same day.Tamiflu and antibiotics were prescribed to the patient and she is now in critical condition requiring ventilation support.The hospital will continue to closely monitor her condition.

http://7thspace.com/headlines/33741...ampaign=Feed: 7thspace (7thSpace Interactive)
 
Re: Hong Kong:newly confirmed critical human swine influenza case

Re: Hong Kong:newly confirmed critical human swine influenza case

Hong Kong: Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital announces a newly confirmed critical human swine influenza case (3/7/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today (March 7) made announcement regarding a newly confirmed critical human swine influenza (HSI) case:

A 56-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus attended the Accident and Emergency Department yesterday (March 6) due to fever, cough and chest infection.

She was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and positive result of HSI was confirmed on the same day.

Tamiflu and antibiotics were prescribed to the patient and she is now in critical condition requiring ventilation support.

The hospital will continue to closely monitor her condition.
-
[The Source Document is available following the link displayed below.]

View Original Article
 
Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/11/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/11/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/11/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) today (March 11) provided the following wrap up of the past week:

In the past week (March 4-10), a total of 968 patients with flu-like symptoms attended the DFCs. Among all confirmed human swine influenza patients, 46 confirmed patients are now staying in public hospitals for treatment, with 36 in stable condition, four in serious and six in critical condition.

The newly confirmed cases in the past week included 17 staff members of public hospitals, (four male and 13 female, including one doctor, seven nurses, six allied health professionals and three supporting staff).

So far there have been 1,374 HA staff members confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 1,367 have already recovered and returned to work.

The Hospital Authority spokesman reminded people that the eight DFCs run a half-day service from 9am to 1pm during weekends and public holidays, while full-day service (9am to 5pm) is maintained from Mondays to Fridays.
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[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong, China PRC SAR, link: View Original Article ]
 
Hong Kong: new death (#74)

Hong Kong: new death (#74)

【Hong Kong, Feb. 12, a spokesman for the Prince of Wales Hospital, announced a 81-year-old female patient of influenza A H1N1 today confirmed dead. The hospital said that one suffers from kidney failure, hypertension and diabetes, 81-year-old female patient have influenza symptoms, on February 24 to the Prince of Wales hospital emergency departments for treatment, required hospitalization. 26 patients diagnosed with influenza A H1N1, and was prescribed Tamiflu. Her condition further deteriorated, he was certified dead today. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Center for Health Protection. In addition, a good track record over the past 53-year-old healthy female patient because of cough, headache and diarrhea on March 10 to hospital accident and emergency department was later transferred to an isolation ward in hospital, and on the same day confirmed influenza A H1N1. A doctor's prescription for antibiotics and Tamiflu. Patient's condition worsened, transferred to intensive care wards, are currently required in order to help the breathing apparatus. Hospitals that will continue to closely monitor the situation. Hong Kong news agency Xinhua March 12

http://www.takungpao.com.hk//news/10/03/12/zhuliugan01-1227614.htm
 
Flu outbreaks close Wan Chai primary school

Flu outbreaks close Wan Chai primary school

Source: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/100316/html/100316en05004.htm

March 16, 2010
Surveillance
*
Flu outbreaks close Wan Chai primary school
*
Department of Health

Raimondi College Primary Section in Wan Chai will suspend classes for seven days from tomorrow following an outbreak of human swine flu and influenza B in the primary school, the Department of Health says.

Thirty-five boys and five girls, aged six to 11, have come down with flu-like symptoms since February 26. One student, who tested positive for influenza B, was hospitalised and been discharged. Another student tested positive for swine flu.

All the affected students are in stable condition.
 
Hong Kong: Primary school advised to suspend classes (3/16/10)

Hong Kong: Primary school advised to suspend classes (3/16/10)

Hong Kong: Primary school advised to suspend classes (3/16/10)

[Source: Government of Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

The Department of Health today (March 16) advised Raimondi College Primary Section, a primary school in Wan Chai, to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow to stop the possible spread of influenza in the school.

The advice was made following an outbreak of human swine influenza (HSI) and influenza B in the school.

Investigation revealed that 35 boys and five girls, aged between six and 11, have developed influenza-like symptoms since February 26.

One of them required hospitalisation and has been discharged.

All the affected students are in stable condition.

A clinical specimen taken from the hospitalised student tested positive for influenza B while that of another affected student was positive for HSI.

The department has visited the school and advised staff on infection control measures. The school has been put under medical surveillance.

A spokesman for the department called on parents to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene practices.
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Re: Flu outbreaks close Wan Chai primary school

Re: Flu outbreaks close Wan Chai primary school

ADVERTISEMENT

Health chiefs have closed a primary school after an outbreak of flu struck 35 students, with one needing hospital treatment.

Raimondi College Primary Section in Wan Chai - the second school to be affected this year - will be closed from today for a week.

The health department said 35 boys and five girls, aged between six and 11, had developed influenza-like symptoms since February 26 and that one student had to be hospitalized.

The student was later discharged and the others were said to be stable at home.

Laboratory tests confirmed the student who needed a hospital stay tested positive for influenza B and one of his schoolmates for H1N1.

In January, a school in Sham Shui Po was closed after four students, aged between seven and 15, and one worker came down with flu symptoms.

The department said health officials had visited Raimondi College and advised staff on infection control measures. The school has also been put under medical surveillance.

The department last night advised all parents to pay attention to the health of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene practices.

Chinese University respiratory health professor David Hui Shu-cheong said the second wave of an expected H1N1 outbreak has yet to arrive and that influenza B is now the predominant strain. He described the cases as "sporadic" and did not suggest a significant rise.

Hui agreed with the department's decision to close Raimondi College as a precautionary measure.

The professor said the flu virus is normally more active in cold and wet weather.

But he warned there could be a summer peak between May and July.

The city was hit by an H1N1 outbreak last year, forcing the closure of all schools across the territory.

In November, Director of Health Lam Ping-yan told legislators about 50 schools had suspended classes between September 1 and October 4 last year due to the influenza outbreak.

The scare prompted the government to launch an H1N1 vaccine program in December for the high risk groups.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95873&sid=27429038&con_type=1
 
Hong Kong: Legislative Council Questions: Human Swine Influenza Vaccination Programme (3/17/10)

Hong Kong: Legislative Council Questions: Human Swine Influenza Vaccination Programme (3/17/10)

Hong Kong: Legislative Council Questions: Human Swine Influenza Vaccination Programme (3/17/10)

[Source: Government of Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

Following is a question by the Hon Audrey Eu and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, in the Legislative Council today (March 17):

Question:
The Government earlier spent $237 million to purchase three million doses of Human Swine Influenza (HSI) vaccine, of which only about 180,000 doses have been administered as at March 1. Moreover, it has been reported that the World Health Organisation has formed a preliminary view earlier that the HSI outbreak had passed its worst stage, and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection has also admitted that the progress of HSI vaccination in Hong Kong is unsatisfactory and a large surplus of vaccines is expected. It has also been reported that at present, many European and American countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, etc have one after another requested pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the supply of such vaccines, or have sold the surplus vaccines to other countries in need.

In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the existing stock of vaccines and their total value, and how the authorities plan to dispose of the vaccines, so as to ensure the optimal use of public funds;
(b) whether it has assessed the public's acceptance level of the vaccination, so as to estimate the ultimate amount of surplus vaccines, and whether it has followed the practice of some European and American countries with a view to disposing of the surplus vaccines properly; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) whether the authorities have learnt their lesson from this exercise of vaccine procurement, so as to improve the policy on vaccine procurement in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:
President, The Government has launched the Human Swine Influenza (HSI) Vaccination Programme since December 21, 2009 with the primary objective of reducing the chance of complications, hospitalisation and deaths among high-risk people after they have been infected with the disease. To implement the HSI Vaccination Programme, we procured three million doses of HSI vaccine at the cost of $79 per dose in accordance with established tender procedures. Among the vaccines procured, 2.5 million doses are intended for five target groups who are at higher risk, namely chronic patients and pregnant women, children aged between six months and less than six years, elderly aged 65 and above, healthcare workers and pig farmers and pig-slaughtering industry personnel. At the same time, the Government has reserved 500,000 doses of HSI vaccine for those who do not belong to these target groups but who wish to get vaccinated so that they may seek vaccination in private clinics at their own cost. Our decision to procure the HSI vaccines was made on the basis that we had to prepare for the most conservative scenario in the development of the pandemic. We have foreseen that some of the vaccines may be left unused if the pandemic eventually turns out to be not severe.

I want to emphasise that the Government's procurement of the vaccines is intended as a necessary insurance to safeguard public health in case there is a serious outbreak in Hong Kong. To safeguard public health, we need to purchase enough vaccines to protect the more vulnerable groups in the population against HSI and its complications. Since the end of last year, the Department of Health has been publicising the HSI Vaccination Programme through a series of publicity activities, such as distribution of leaflets and broadcasting of announcements of public interest on TV and radio. We have also clearly explained to the public the potential risks of vaccination and provided them with timely update on such information as the latest development of pandemic both locally and worldwide, and the adverse events with history of HSI vaccination. Such efforts are aimed at ensuring information transparency and providing the public with adequate information for their consideration so that they can decide whether to get vaccinated.

The ultimate decision to get vaccinated rests with members of the public. Vaccination is voluntary under the entire HSI Vaccination Programme. The actual vaccination rate can be affected by a number of factors, including changes in the pandemic, the number of severe and fatal cases, and the public's understanding as to the safety of the vaccine, etc. Although we have received reports of two confirmed cases of patients developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) with history of HSI vaccination since the HSI Vaccination Programme was launched, the Expert Group on Serious Adverse Events following Human Swine Influenza Vaccination under the Centre for Health Protection has pointed out after having studied these cases that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has to date found no evidence suggesting a causal relationship between GBS and HSI vaccination and the reported number of GBS cases worldwide has not exceeded the usual background rates prior to the introduction of such vaccines.

As a matter of fact, according to HSI vaccination data from around the world, the safety of HSI vaccine has been confirmed and its side effects are on the whole relatively mild. For those high-risk groups recommended for vaccination by the scientific committees in particular, the benefits of protection they will get from HSI vaccination will outweigh any possible adverse vaccine effect.

Up to March 14, 2010 since the HSI Vaccination Programme was launched, more than 185, 000 doses of HSI vaccine have been administered to the target groups. Currently, there are roughly 2.75 million doses of HSI vaccines in stock. Maintaining this stockpile of vaccines is considered crucial in the coming few months as it can provide an assurance for public health protection and ensure the availability of sufficient vaccines for use once the pandemic has worsened. Under such circumstances, we do not have any plan to donate or sell the vaccines to other places at this stage. In fact, vaccination is only one of the preventive and control measures we have launched. At the same time, we have enhanced our virus surveillance in the community especially at schools and residential care homes, continued to implement public health measures at boundary control points, actively promoting protective measures at individual and community levels, use of antiviral drugs, and have made necessary preparations and contingency planning for treatment.

All these measures are aimed at reducing the incidence rate, chance of hospitalisation and mortality rate of HSI infections, and the overall impact to Hong Kong.

President, as at March 14, 2010, there were 73 HSI fatal cases and 262 severe cases of HSI infection, and 179 patients were admitted into the intensive care unit. It is still unpredictable whether the constant mutation of the virus will result in a more severe pandemic or whether there will be a second or a third wave of HSI pandemic. As such, we must stay vigilant. The Government will continue to closely monitor the development of the pandemic in Hong Kong and other places in the world as well as the vaccination coverage to ensure that our preventive and control measures can achieve the best result.
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Swine flu vaccine stock to stay

Swine flu vaccine stock to stay

Acting Secretary for Food & Health Professor Gabriel Leung says the Government has no plan to donate or sell the human swine flu vaccine it has in stock.



He told lawmakers today the vaccines were procured to prepare for the most conservative scenario, and the Government has foreseen some of them may be unused if the pandemic is not severe.



Up to March 14 more than 185,000 doses had been administered to the target groups since the vaccination programme launched on December 21. There are 2.75 million doses of vaccine in stock.



"Maintaining this stockpile of vaccines is considered crucial in the coming few months as it can provide an assurance for public health protection and ensure the availability of sufficient vaccines for use once the pandemic has worsened," Prof Leung said.



Noting vaccination is voluntary under the programme, he said the actual vaccination rate can be affected by factors including changes in the pandemic, the number of severe and fatal cases, and the public's understanding as to the safety of the vaccine.



The World Health Organisation has to date found no evidence suggesting a causal relationship between Guillain-Barre Syndrome and swine flu vaccination, and the reported case number of this disease worldwide has not exceeded the usual background rates prior to the introduction of such vaccines.



"According to [swine flu] vaccination data from around the world, the safety of [the] vaccine has been confirmed and its side effects are on the whole relatively mild. For those high-risk groups recommended for vaccination by the scientific committees in particular, the benefits of protection they will get from vaccination will outweigh any possible adverse vaccine effect," Prof Leung said, adding it is still unpredictable whether the constant virus mutation will result in a more severe pandemic or whether there will be a second or a third wave of pandemic.

http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/100317/html/100317en05002.htm
 
Hong Kong: Rise in flu cases sets peak poser

Hong Kong: Rise in flu cases sets peak poser

More flu cases were reported in the past three weeks, with human swine flu (H1N1) and seasonal flu each accounting for half of them.

But health experts said it is too early to say whether the territory is at the peak of the flu season.

Workers at Raimondi College Primary Section, Wan Chai, which was closed yesterday for a week, cleaned classrooms and other areas after 40 students aged 6 to 11 developed flu.

There were seasonal flu B and human swine flu cases among them.

At the Legislative Council yesterday, acting health secretary Gabriel Leung said there is still a stock of 2.75 million swine flu jabs, but was unable to say whether there will be a second or third wave of outbreaks.


But some lawmakers criticized the government for overreacting to the flu situation and wasting money by ordering too much vaccine.

According to Centre for Health Protection, 877 cases of flu were recorded between February 28 and March 6, compared to 704 between February 21-27, and 410 between February 14-20.

Pediatrician Wilson Fung Yee-leung said he has seen three times more patients with flu symptoms in the past two weeks than in the same period last year and their symptoms were more severe.

Microbiologist Ho Pak-leung of the University of Hong Kong also said he is aware of the rise and expects to see more cases in the coming weeks.

But Ho said it is too early to say whether the SAR is at a flu peak as the consultation rate at private clinics and hospital stays are not that high.

"We also need to ask how many of those who have come down with flu have received the jab."

Based on the latest laboratory test results of the viruses, influenza B and swine flu account for an equal number of cases.

The dominant Influenza B strains are Victoria and Yamagata.

Ho said the vaccines for the Brisbane strain used in Hong Kong will also help protect from the Victoria strain.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=95941&sid=27440046&con_type=1
 
Hong Kong has entered traditional peak season for seasonal influenza (3/18/10): 49% H1N1pdm, 50% influenza B among positive samples.

Hong Kong has entered traditional peak season for seasonal influenza (3/18/10): 49% H1N1pdm, 50% influenza B among positive samples.

Hong Kong has entered traditional peak season for seasonal influenza (3/18/10)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 18) called on members of the public to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza, which consists mainly of human swine influenza and influenza B.

A CHP spokesman said that the latest surveillance data showed an increasing number of influenza isolates, which signals that Hong Kong has entered the traditional peak season for seasonal influenza.

Influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) showed a steady rise.

A total of 268 influenza detections were recorded last week (from March 7 to 13) as compared with 177 influenza detections from February 28 to March 6.

Virus isolates are mainly either human swine influenza (49%) or influenza B (50%). There has been an increase in reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) outbreaks in institutions, from 24 in the week ending March 13 to 31 in the past five days (March 14 - 18). The consultation rate for ILI among sentinel private doctors has also increased in the past few weeks.

During the week ending March 13, the consultation rate for ILI at private clinics was 51 per 1,000 consultations. At the same time, CHP's surveillance system also showed high seasonal activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The number of RSV detections in the week ending March 13 was 134. The figure is consistent with the trend recorded in the past few years.

The spokesman said, "As a preventive measure, the CHP has sent letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them to the upcoming flu season and providing advice on prevention and control.

"The CHP will send letters again reminding them to be vigilant against respiratory infection. The influenza situation will be closely monitored as the flu season progresses."

Members of the public are reminded to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
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Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/18/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/18/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and admitted human swine influenza patients (3/18/10)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) today (March 18) provided the following wrap up of the past week:

In the past week (March 11 to 17), a total of 1,111 patients with flu-like symptoms attended the DFCs.

Among all confirmed human swine influenza patients, 50 confirmed patients are now staying in public hospitals for treatment, with 41 in stable condition, four in serious and five in critical condition.

Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases in the past week included eight staff members of public hospitals (one male and seven female, including two nurses, two allied health professionals, two supporting staff and two administrative/clerical staff).

So far there were 1,382 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 1,380 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded members of the public that the eight DFCs run a half-day service from 9am to 1pm during weekends and public holidays, while full-day service (9am to 5pm) is maintained from Mondays to Fridays.
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Hong Kong: A critical case of human swine influenza at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (3/18/10)

Hong Kong: A critical case of human swine influenza at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (3/18/10)

Hong Kong: A critical case of human swine influenza at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (3/18/10)

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (RHTSK) today (March 18) announced a new critical case of human swine influenza (HSI):

A 51-year-old male patient with good past health attended the Accident and Emergency Department of RHTSK on March 16 due to flu symptoms.

He was admitted to Respiratory Medical Ward on the same day and transferred to Intensive Care Unit on the following day.

Test was confirmed positive to HSI today.

Tamiflu and antibiotic were prescribed to the patient and he is now in critical condition requiring ventilation support.

The hospital will continue to closely monitor his condition.
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Re: Hong Kong: A critical case of human swine influenza at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (3/18/10)

Re: Hong Kong: A critical case of human swine influenza at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital (3/18/10)

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) today (March 19) announced a new critical case of human swine influenza (HSI): A 43-year-old male patient with good past health attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on March 18 due to persistent flu symptoms over one week. He was directly admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment due to severe pneumonia and was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. His test for HSI was confirmed as positive today (March 19).

He is in critical condition and requires ventilatory support. The hospital will continue to closely monitor his condition.

Source: HKSAR Government

http://7thspace.com/headlines/33876...ampaign=Feed: 7thspace (7thSpace Interactive)
 
Hong Kong: Cluster of human Metapneumovirus cases in male psychogeriatric ward in Castle Peak Hospital

Hong Kong: Cluster of human Metapneumovirus cases in male psychogeriatric ward in Castle Peak Hospital

Hong Kong: Cluster of human Metapneumovirus cases in male psychogeriatric ward in Castle Peak Hospital

by editor on <ABBR class=published title=2010-03-19>March 19, 2010</ABBR>
in Indian Press Release, Web News Wire

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) made the following announcement today (March 19):

Five patients (aged from 71 to 79) in a male psychogeriatric ward of CPH have presented with respiratory symptoms since March 14. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients. All the test results were positive for human Metapneumovirus. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition.

Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visits to and discharge from the ward have been imposed. Infection control measures in the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.

http://aggregator.in/2010/hong-kong...geriatric-ward-in-castle-peak-hospital-18132/
 
Hong Kong: Man, 43 years old dies of A/H1N1 - healthy - no preexisting conditions

Hong Kong: Man, 43 years old dies of A/H1N1 - healthy - no preexisting conditions

Hong Kong: A fatal case of human swine influenza patient at United Christian Hospital (3/20/10)

[Source: Hospital Authority, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article. Edited.]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (March 20) regarding the fatal of a human swine influenza (HSI) patient:

A 43-year-old male patient with good past health attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on March 18 due to persistent flu symptoms over one week. He was directly admitted to Intensive Care Unit for further treatment due to severe pneumonia. He was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics and required ventilatory support. The test result for HSI was confirmed positive on March 19. The patient's condition remained critical and succumbed at 11.31pm last night. The hospital would like to express condolences to the patient's family.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
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