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Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Shanghai March increase in influenza-like treatment of patients can not be optimistic about the measles epidemic



2008年03月20日11:01 来源:解放网-新闻晨报 At 11:01 on March 20, 2008 Source: liberation - Morning News 发表评论 Comment



At present when the turn of the winter and spring, influenza, measles, a good season, the spring respiratory disease prevention work is very grim. 升。 Yesterday, reporters learned from the Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau, according to the city influenza monitoring results since entering March, the treatment of influenza-like proportion of patients than in February rise to a certain extent. Measles epidemic also is not optimistic.

Shanghai Health Bureau disease control work on the deployment, disease prevention and control institutions at all levels will strictly follow the "Shanghai influenza monitoring programme," and to continue to do a good job of influenza, measles and other respiratory diseases monitoring and reporting work, and seriously Screen check cases to cases registered, reports and sampling work.

According to the relevant experts in virology, through keeping indoor ventilation windows, sports training, to develop good personal hygiene habits and other measures, can prevent influenza, long-term tension in the working conditions of people, the frail and sick, the elderly and children, immunization of the lower doctors in the crowd under the guidance of the disease. Experts said, the influenza virus mutates frequently, the World Health Organization each year, including China, from the various countries to collect influenza vaccine strain of the virus group to update the flu vaccine, such as the human influenza vaccine to a certain extent cross-protection :tiphat:
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh%7Cen&u=http://health.chinanews.cn/jk/ysbb/news/2008/03-20/1197316.shtml
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Newborn baby girl also "infected" Hong Kong three children admitted to hospital with suspected flu

At 9:54 on March 21, 2008

-- March 21 - According to the Hong Kong SAR Government news website, the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection said that on the 20th of children who received three suspected influenza-related complications and hospital reports on the two girls and a newborn baby girl . The case is a test of influenza virus.

2-year-old girl in March and a newborn baby girl in March 19 and 20 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, who in stable condition.

As for the March 20 admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital's seven-year-old girl, admitted to the intensive care unit in serious condition.

Including these three cases, the Centre for Health Protection, and public and private hospitals for the implementation of influenza surveillance, has received a total of 23 the report.

Defence Centre on the 20th homes received an outbreak of influenza cases involving Kwun Tong one of the three homes. Affected by the two men and a woman, aged between 46 to 90 years old, one of them admitted to United Christian Hospital is not yet confirmed influenza cases. :tiphat:

http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh%7Cen&u=http://www.chinanews.com.cn/ga/kjww/news/2008/03-21/1198319.shtml
_________________
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Reports under influenza surveillance arrangement
March 21 2008, 11.17.59

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said no report was received today (March 21) through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said a total of 23 reports have been received so far by the CHP through the influenza surveillance arrangement to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children and breakdown figures are as follows:

A. Reports with positive tests results for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 6
* No of patients discharged: 6

B. Reports with preliminary negative tests results for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 17

C. Reports pending laboratory test result for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 0

D. Total reports
* Total no. of reports recorded since March 13: 23
* No of patients discharged: 14
* No of patients in hospital: 9

The spokesman said influenza-like illness (ILI) may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

The telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 230 calls. It will continue to operate between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays.

Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/21/P200803210167.htm
------
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE height=30 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=423>Free flu vaccine available for returning Taiwan citizens
</TD><TD width=153>
08/03/20 20:00:10​
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=gray16CN vAlign=top align=left> Taipei, March 20 (CNA) Overseas Taiwanese returning to vote in Saturday's presidential election have the option of receiving free seasonal flu vaccines, as part of efforts to prevent a flu outbreak, Lin Ting, deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), said Thursday.
Included in the category of overseas Taiwan citizens are those who still hold valid Republic of China passports or identification cards, Lin said.
In light of the fact that seasonal flu has been rampant in Hong Kong and Macau, the center is suggesting that Taiwan citizens traveling from those two regions receive flu vaccination to help prevent an epidemic in Taiwan, Lin said.
Currently, more than 90,000 doses of flu vaccines are available at health bureaus in the country's 25 cities and counties, Lin said, adding that those who wish to get the free flu shots should call the health bureaus to check for availability of the vaccine.
Once the vaccine is available, people carrying Republic of China passports or ID cards may obtain their shots at the health bureaus, Lin said.
In an attempt to prevent an outbreak of flu in Taiwan, check points have been set up at airports and seaports around the country to detect if travelers from other countries have a high fever, which may indicate the presence of the flu virus, Lin explained. :tiphat: http://www.cna.com.tw/CNAeng/RealTi...trNewsDate=&strNewsID=200803200038&strType=JD
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

SFH on influenza
March 22 2008, 8.46.05

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 radio programme this morning (March 22):

Reporter:
On class resumption, how would you assess the current threat to kids over the flu outbreak?

Secretary for Food and Health:
According to the Centre for Health Protection, the trend is still on a high level although the number of kids being hospitalised is slightly decreasing.
We feel that the schools could be resumed after the existing arrangements of the Easter holidays.
The important thing is after the holidays, our schools would like to have some guidelines on when they should suspend schools in future and what would be the advisory given to parents and children.
My only important advice for parents is keep your children at home if they have fever or any serious symptoms of flu, so that they would not infect other kids.

Reporter:
You have talked about guidelines, do you mean individual school in the future could decide on their own when to suspend classes?

Secretary for Food and Health:
We haven't got into details yet because we have yet to have meeting with the Education Bureau.
(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript)
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/22/P200803220152.htm
------
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Reports under influenza surveillance arrangement
March 22 2008, 9.00.04

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 22) that a total of 24 reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

One of them is a new report involving a two-month-old baby boy. He is now under treatment in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Relevant influenza tests are in progress.

The spokesman said the cumulative figures for cases reported to the CHP through the influenza surveillance arrangement to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children are as follows:

A. Reports with positive tests results for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 6
* No of patients discharged: 6
* No of patients in hospital: 0

B. Reports with preliminary negative tests results for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 17

C. Reports pending laboratory test result for influenza
* Total no. of reports: 1

D. Total reports
* Total no. of reports recorded since March 13: 24
* No of patients discharged: 14
* No of patients in hospital: 10

The spokesman said ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

The telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 230 calls. It will continue to operate between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays.

Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available in CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk.
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/22/P200803220151.htm
------
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Monday Yue little chance that Hong Kong will be closed
2008-3-22 2008-3-22


[大公network - the Hong Kong SAR Government Food and Health Secretary York Chow said today that the next two days with the Department of Education next week to discuss arrangements for the resumption of classes, he believed that it would be unlikely for full suspension.

Dr Chow today in a radio programme that the closure of schools is the right decision, arrangements for the resumption of classes, they will be early next week, with the Department of Education to discuss, including how to resume classes.

Dr Chow said that it will issue guidelines to parents, once the number of cases of influenza infection remains high, what contingency measures to be taken. According to the present situation, the expected need for a comprehensive suspension little chance.

Dr Chow said he believes that the peak period of influenza will be going on for several weeks, until the end of next month will be dropped, but this year, about two new influenza virus could not be ruled out influenza peak period will be longer. He said that the peak season of influenza ago, will discuss whether the free influenza vaccine injection for children.


HA Chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk said that the closure of schools, children suffering from influenza cases decreased, but the hospital paediatric wards are still full to the patients suffering from the common cold, to the general outpatient clinics or private doctors to go to avoid cross-infection in hospitals. Chinese medicine practitioners in public hospitals and outpatient clinic services as usual Easter to cope with the demand for long holidays.

China News Agency, March 22 :tiphat:
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh%7Cen&u=http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/22/GW-881340.htm
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

New influenza surveillance is the first recorded case
2008-3-22 2008
-3-22

[Ta Kung Pao - CHP and public and private hospitals to monitor the implementation of the new flu since the first time yesterday had not received any reported cases. Under the new mechanism, the authorities have received 23 reported six confirmed influenza.

Centre for Health Protection spokesman said yesterday that the Centre for Health Protection, and public and private hospitals for the implementation of the surveillance is to monitor children with the flu was suspected to set up the hospital since March 13 has been recorded in the cumulative report, a total of 23, which has 14 cases of discharged patients, and it is still hospitalized patients admitted to nine cases. Yesterday, the authorities have not received any new reports.

CHP to provide influenza information hotline has received a total of 230 enquiries. :tiphat:

http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=zh%7Cen&u=http://www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/22/GW-881170.htm
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="90%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=con_tit align=middle height=45>Guangdong has recently increased Baiwu flu cases </TD></TR><TR><TD class=line9 align=middle height=29>
2008-3-22​
2008-3-22 </TD></TR><TR><TD><!-- <table width="100%" border="0" align="center" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" class="border_gray line9"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#F2F2F2"></td> </tr></table> --></TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE class=news_pics><TBODY><TR><TD>
gw-32.jpg
</TD></TR><TR><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=line11>
圖:廣州本報攝)​
Graphic: Guangzhou residents are getting cold (Renmin Photo)
[Benbaojizheyuan Soo-hyun - - 21 - Guangzhou today from the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, the Office of Emergency Management was informed that as at 10:00 today, the province has reported 887 cases of influenza cases, compared with yesterday's new cases over the same period 148 cases.
Recently, the Guangdong influenza cases has increased significantly. From the Office of Emergency Management was informed that as at 10:00 on the 19th, Guangdong province has reported 683 cases of influenza cases, than the same period the day before new cases 187 cases. As at 10:00 on March 21, the province has reported 887 cases of influenza cases, earlier than March 20 new cases 148 cases (excluding eight cases of Meizhou City), the critical and deaths .
According to the latest indications are that this new influenza-like three, all in Guangzhou Tianhe (two cases), the Huangpu District schools. So far, the outbreak of influenza-like the province reached 20, a total of 561 people infected, the epidemic influenza B virus are mainly.
Guangdong Province Huang Fei, deputy director of the Office of Health said that the annual March-July is the peak period of influenza in Guangdong, there is a flu pandemic and basically the same as in previous years, has no influenza pandemic. A place outbreak (within one week that the incidence of 15 cases of the disease more than the number) have some, but only the most sporadic cases, but not massive, there has been no special circumstances. ;) Huang Fei said that the province has already started monitoring network, the provincial hospitals to strengthen the implementation requirements of fever clinics. At present, the province influenza outbreak occurred in the school, the Guangdong Provincial Education Department has issued a warning notice requiring the schools to strengthen respiratory diseases prevention and control work, all localities should establish and improve primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and nurseries agencies to examine morning newly system to ensure that they early discovery, early reporting and early treatment. Huang Fei stressed that the monitoring that is a Hong Kong influenza A, and B are in Guangdong, transmission of the virus weak, but the two places have to step up joint defense of control, regular monthly briefing influenza epidemic, found particularly timely notification to the epidemic.:tiphat: http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?h...www.takungpao.com/news/08/03/22/GW-881176.htm
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Flu special edition: 2 months big baby boys doubt contract the flu to be hospitalized
2008-03-22 16:12

[ The on.cc special news ] the health bureau health protection center spokesperson today indicated that, the health protection center, public and operates privately the hospital implementation the flu to supervise the arrangement until now altogether to receive 24 reports, the report which is the center newly receives, involves 2 months big baby boys, he right now accepted the treatment in the Elizabeth hospital, the correlation flu virus test still in carrying on. The spokesperson indicated that, the related report accumulation numeral is as follows, has the laboratory evidence for flu report total 6, left the hospital patient 6 people. The preliminary test assumes the negative reaction to the flu report report total 17, still was carrying on the test report total 1. Results in from the this month 13 diaries report total 24, left the hospital patient number 14 people, in-patient number 10 people. :tiphat: http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=zt_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwap.on.cc%2foncc%2fportal%2fbreakingnews%2fDetail.do%3fid%3d8151964
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Flu special edition: Monday the mountain refers comprehensively suspends classes the opportunity not to be big
2008-03-22 11:41

about the new regular flus i think
[ The on.cc special news ] food and sanitation bureau bureau chief Monday the mountain indicated that, will be able discusses in the next week and Bureau of Education resumes classes the arrangement. And refers according to the present situation, comprehensively suspends classes the opportunity not to be big. He also pointed out, because this year appears two kind of new flu virus, does not remove now flu peak to be able to be longer. Monday the mountain indicated, early 2 infections flu death young Tong, infects viral and non- variety situation. He stated that, can in the next flu peak ahead of time, decide can otherwise vaccinate the prevention flu vaccine for all young Tong, after but must consider young Tong vaccinates appears the illness complication the risk.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=zt_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwap.on.cc%2foncc%2fportal%2fbreakingnews%2fDetail.do%3fid%3d8151795
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

After yesterday's 555,000 people at all the ports in the country
March 22, 2008 HKT: 08:09:00 am

The first day of the Easter holidays, and throughout the day there are 555,000 people from the various ports.

230,000 people exit through Lo Wu, 67,000 people at the airport, and a further 80,000 people from the Lok Ma Chau

http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a084202.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Dr Chow expected influenza peak down the end of next month
March 22, 2008 HKT: 11:55:00 am

Although the Government announced yesterday, 23 of influenza cases, no new report, Food and Health Secretary York Chow today is expected that the peak period of influenza until the end of next month will fall, but will be closed all schools would be unlikely.

Monday Yue believe that the peak period of influenza will continue in most weeks, until the end of next month before fall, but this year in two new influenza virus, do not rule out the peak period will be longer.

He reiterated that the closure of schools is the right decision. Arrangements for the resumption of classes, he will be next Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss with the Department of Education, and will include the resumption of classes after the schools in the direction of risk guidelines, the guidelines will be parents, the number of cases of influenza once high, what contingency measures should be adopted.

However, Dr Chow said, according to the present situation, the expected need for a comprehensive suspension of the chance is slim. He also mentioned that the hope that the next influenza peak season before deciding whether to free influenza vaccine injection for children, but must consider a large number of complications caused by vaccination risks.

The earlier two children died of influenza virus was found to be no major change in gene sequencing, Dr Chow are more reassuring.

Centre for Health Protection, and public and private hospitals surveillance arrangements, 21 have not received any report of a new influenza infection, and the cumulative figure of 23, including nine people are still in hospital, and the remaining 14 were discharged.

http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a115536.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Anthony Wu Ting-yuk that children slightly relieve influenza
(Hong Kong Wen)
March 22, 2008 HKT: 12:23:00 pm

HA Chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk said that as kindergartens and primary schools have been closed earlier, when coupled with the Easter holidays, for influenza in children slight relief to the accident and emergency department of the reduction in the number of children.

http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a122403.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Health Department received a baby boy with suspected influenza reported
March 22, 2008 HKT: 04:13:00 pm

Centre for Health Protection spokesman said that the Centre for Health Protection, and public and private hospitals for the implementation of the surveillance has received a total of 24 reports, which is a new centre of the reports received, involving a two-month-old baby boy, He is now in Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment related to the influenza virus testing is still in progress.

Accumulated in the 24 suspected cases, 14 were discharged, there are still 10 people hospitalized for treatment. Under the surveillance of suspected cases reported in only six laboratory-confirmed influenza, as of the 22nd have been discharged from hospital, while the remaining 17 patients suspected influenza cases as preliminary tests on the samples were negative influenza.

http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a161623.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

the Department of Health found that 24 confirmed influenza 10 people are still in hospital
March 22, 2008 HKT: 04:29:00 pm

Department of Health  CHP spokesman said that since March 13,  CHP, public and private hospitals to monitor the implementation of influenza so far received a total of 24 reports, 14 people have been discharged from hospitals are still 10 people hospitalization; which is a new centre of the reports received, involving a two-month-old baby boy, he is now the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment related to the influenza virus testing is still in progress.

He said that the surveillance is to monitor the arrangements for children with suspected influenza-related complications and hospitalization based on the cumulative report are as follows:

Have laboratory evidence for the report of the total number of influenza 6 6 of the patients were discharged. Preliminary tests, 17 were negative for influenza. One is still to be tested.

Centre spokesman said, the influenza virus may be the case or cause other respiratory viruses.

-snip-
http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a163012.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

[The other article was from a different time of day]

More than 290,000 passengers at the immigration
March 22, 2008 HKT: 07:07:00 pm

The Immigration Department said that as of 17:00, more than 290,000 people from the various ports.

Which more than 120,000 passengers through the Lo Wu Control Point exit, as the Lok Ma Chau and the airport exit, and there are over 40,000 people and more than 30,000 passengers.

http://www.singtao.com/breakingnews/20080322a191823.asp
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,160000,00.html


LITTLE JOSHIAH DIES 6 DAYS AFTER HAVING FLU


# Vancouver couple takes 13-month-old son to HK for holiday
# He gets flu jab before leaving but falls sick during flight, then...

by Elysa Chen
March 24, 2008

IT WAS the first time they were taking their 13-month-old son, Joshiah Isaac Barros (above right), to Hong Kong on holiday.

Mr Allan Barros and his wife wanted to show their son to friends and former colleagues in Hong Kong during the November trip.

But their friends never got to see the cheerful toddler.

He fell ill, and a week later, they got a phone call from the couple saying he had died.

Now, Mr Barros believes his son died of the same killer bug that claimed the lives of three children in Hong Kong's recent flu scare.

Mr Barros had taken all the necessary precautions before their holiday. He had taken his family for a check-up at their family doctor and got his baby boy vaccinated against the flu.

Speaking to The New Paper on Sunday over the phone from Vancouver, Joshiah's mother, Victoria, said: 'To lose him like that is like the end of the world. We've wanted a second child for 10 years. We waited for him for 10 years. But in a year, he is gone.

'We went there for a vacation, but it turned out to be a tragedy.'

Joshiah's health problems began during the flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong, when he developed a slight fever and a cough.

When they arrived in Hong Kong, a doctor told the parents that he would be 'fine in three days', claimed Mrs Barros.

But, like the three children who died, Joshiah's condition quickly deteriorated.

He died within six days of contracting the flu.

Earlier this year, the flu virus in Hong Kong claimed the lives of Law Ho Ming, 7, Ho Po Yi, 3, and Or Ho Yeung, who was 27 months old.

Mrs Barros, a hospital clerk, said: 'The doctor said it was okay. We believed it would be okay. But everything went wrong.

'He was so happy at the airport at Hong Kong. He was running around. Even the lady who checked his temperature at the Hong Kong airport said he was fine.'

Joshiah had been vaccinated against the flu on 23 Nov, two days before the trip to Hong Kong.

Mrs Barros, 36, said he had also completed all his vaccinations for the year.

So, she and her husband thought of taking Joshiah and their 10-year-old daughter to visit friends in Hong Kong, where they had lived for 12 years before moving to Canada. Both parents were born in the Philippines.

But on the flight, he developed a fever of 38.7 deg C.

The next day, his parents took him to see a paediatrician, who diagnosed him with a common cold. His temperature was 38.5 deg C at that time.

After taking the prescription medication, the fever went down.

But within a few hours, it was back. This time his temperature hit 39 deg C.

Worried, the family cut short their stay in Hong Kong and left on 28 Nov for the Philippines, where Mr Barros' parents live.

When they reached Manila, the family rushed Joshiah to a children's hospital, because he was having breathing difficulties.

On Joshiah's second day in hospital, doctors told them that he was getting better, and that he could go home.

But when Mrs Barros woke at 4am to check on her son, her heart skipped a beat when she saw a red light flashing on a machine.

Her voice breaking, she said: 'I quickly alerted the nurse. The nurse told me he was going into cardiac arrest. When I saw the swelling all over his body, I knew that there was no chance for them to revive him.'

Mr Barros, a network engineer, said: 'They called the specialists in, and they told us that the infection had spread from his lungs to all over his body... his liver, everywhere.'


Mr Barros, 40, said the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation is doing an autopsy to determine the cause of Joshiah's death. The results of the autopsy are still pending.

'When I read the newspaper reports about the children dying in Hong Kong from the flu virus, I knew this killer bug was the one that killed my son,' said Mr Barros.

'I feel very upset. If there is a bug, the government should give warning, especially for people who have toddlers like us,' he added.

S'PORE DOCS SAY

Dr Chan Poh Chong, consultant paediatrician with the Singapore's National University Hospital, said that in children, influenza infections can be serious, and can lead to death.

However, Dr Tan Kim Leong, a paediatrician with Specialist Infant-Child Centre at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said there were too many factors, such as the changing environment, to pin the cause of Joshiah's death to one factor.

He also advised against getting vaccinated too close to the date of travel.

He said: 'It won't be wise to give vaccines just before the trip.

'Some vaccines give rise to side effects, so it's better to be sure the child is stable before travelling.'
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

HK to reopen schools next week, flu virus unchanged


<!-- 26 Mar 2008 04:06:56 GMT ## for search indexer, do not remove --> Source: Reuters

<!-- AN5.0 article title end --> <script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.alertnet.org/bin/js/article.js"></script> <input value="13" name="CurrentSize" id="CurrentSize" type="hidden"> <!-- HK to reopen schools next week, flu virus unchanged --> <!-- Reuters --> HONG KONG, March 26 (Reuters) - Hong Kong will resume classes for schoolchildren next week after scientists confirmed that seasonal flu viruses circulating in the city had not mutated to become more vicious, public health officials said on Wednesday.

The outbreak had no links to H5N1 bird flu, but the decision to shut schools brought back memories of 2003, when an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) hit Hong Kong.

"After virological analyses, we found that the viruses had not mutated. They are the same viruses that are prevalent this season, the genes are the same and there is no sign to say this is a (more) vicious virus," Thomas Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, told a news conference.

Hong Kong shut elementary schools for two weeks in mid-March to contain a seasonal influenza outbreak after two children who contracted the flu died.

But experts later said they found no evidence that the children had been infected by virus strains that were more virulent or aggressive, which opened up the possibility that their deaths might have been linked to other causes.

"Six students had severe complications resulting from flu in the last two weeks ... the figure is more or less average and it goes to prove we are not seeing (a rise in) serious admission cases because of the flu season, so we are confident we can resume classes on 31st of March," Tsang said. (Reporting by Tan Ee Lyn; Editing by Alex Richardson)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/T344209.htm
 
Re: Hong Kong Flu-like Illness outbreak

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=63582&sid=18227541&con_type=1

Expert confronts mutation fears

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Centre for Health Protection controller Thomas Tsang Ho-fai yesterday sought to allay fears that flu viruses, which caused public panic two weeks ago, may have mutated.

Tsang said an initial analysis by the specialist panel led by Hong Kong University microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung suggested influenza viruses found in two dead children who suffered from flu-like symptoms were normal strains and not mutations.

An influenza virus was found in Ho Po-yi, 3, who died on March 1, but it was unlikely to be the main cause of her death, he said.

Another child Law Ho-ming, 7, died on March 11 of encephalitis - a complication of influenza. But no influenza virus was found in Or Ho-yeung, 2, who died on February 26. The inquiry is about to be completed and a report is being drafted.


NIKKITA LAU
 
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