HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)-MARCH 23+

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update on institutional outbreaks of influenza
April 17 2008, 12.42.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received four reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 17) involving two primary schools, a kindergarten cum child care centre and a correctional institution, affecting a total of 31 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's officials have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/17/P200804170236.htm
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update on institutional outbreaks of influenza
April 18 2008, 11.50.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received three reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 18) involving a kindergarten, a kindergarten cum child care centre and an elderly home, affecting a total of 13 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's officials have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, a report involving an 11-year-old boy was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The boy is now in Prince of Wales Hospital. His preliminary influenza test is negative.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/18/P200804180238.htm
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update on institutional outbreaks of influenza
April 21 2008, 12.10.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 21) received three reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness involving two primary schools and a kindergarten/child care centre, affecting 10 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's officials have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said people should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/21/P200804210157.htm
------

 

[Siam]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

International abstract

The beautiful flu tide kills 66 children
The vaccine compounds the viral already variety

[ The Daily Sun special news ] the flu does in Hong Kong "滿城風雨" time, US also encounters for four year most serious flu epidemic situations, the main reason is uses the vaccine certainly not to be effective to the American popular H3N2 flu virus, this is because in configuration production flu vaccine time, the related viral variety, has caused the vaccine to achieve the anticipated effect, creates the virus to be popular. When last year vaccine manufacture, newly appears one kind of H3N2 and the second grade virus not including, also creates the vaccine wrong to match as well as the potency is somewhat low.
The American disease control and the prevention center (CDC) announced that, in 07 to 08 years flu season, had 66 children to die of with the cold correlation disease, their age 中位數 is four years old half, the age youngest dead only has a month to be big, but the authority has not disclosed the death total number of people. Dies the numeral in the before three flu seasons child, is 46 to 74 people between.
According to has died of the flu and the pneumonia adult numeral, this year is the locality since 03 to 04 years an epidemic situation most serious season. The flu document numeral by starts 07 to 08 the beginning of year slowly to rise, has achieved the peak to February in, then gradually recedes.

This year vaccine effect only 44%
The health official can estimate every year which three kind of flu virus does wreak havoc US, thus develops one kind in view of this and so on virus's vaccine, they most all have the correct inference, but vaccine effectiveness can achieve seven to 90%. But, according to the Wisconsin state 馬什 菲爾德 clinic and a CDC cooperation research, two kind of goals virus which this year vaccine aims at is not the popular virus, the vaccine effect have to 44%.
Now, US mainly has three kind of flu virus, what is most serious is the H3N2 armor flu virus, also is at present causes the main flu which the humanity catches an illness even dies 亞型, another kind of present popular virus also has the Florida second grade, at the present the year health official develops the vaccine, certainly not Brisben which and newly appears in view of the Florida second grade the H3N2 armor flu virus. CDC reports said that, is aiming at the H3N2 armor flu virus aspect, at present American widespread use vaccine effectiveness only has 58%.

20% national dye the flu every year
CDC flu group Assistant Director Doctor Jernegan indicated, in order to can before the autumn produces in a hurry the vaccine, the health official must before February decide actually the vaccine does have to aim at which kind of virus. Therefore, wreaks havoc in the flu season virus possibly to vaccine development period appears by no means, finally causes the vaccine potency unsatisfactory.
According to the CDC data, in the American has 5% every year to 20 infections flu, more than 20 ten thousand people serious are hospitalized because of the condition, approximately three ten thousand 6,000 people die of and the cold related disease.

http://wap.on.cc/oncc/portal/news/Index.do

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update on institutional outbreaks of influenza
April 22 2008, 12.59.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received six reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 22) involving one secondary school, three primary schools and two kindergartens, affecting 27 people. (see Annex)

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's officials have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said people should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/22/P200804220201.htm
-----

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HK SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 23 2008, 12.32.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received two reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 23) involving a primary school and a residential home for the disabled, affecting a total of 10 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's staff have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

Among the 31 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have laboratory evidence of influenza including nine discharged cases and one case in stable condition.

The remaining 21 cases had preliminary influenza tests that were negative, including 15 discharged cases and five patients who are now in hospital.

Another 11-year-old boy passed away in Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) this morning.

The spokesman said the boy was admitted to PWH on April 17 because of convulsion and fever. Preliminary examination of the boy's respiratory sample yielded negative results for Influenza A and B, parainfluenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.

''There is no evidence at the present stage suggesting the boy had contracted influenza. He had no history of recent travel.
''Further investigation is ongoing and the case has been submitted to the Coroner's Court for investigation,'' the spokesman said.

CHP staff visited the school which the boy had attended and health advice was given to the school accordingly.

So far no outbreak of influenza has been reported in the school.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/23/P200804230222.htm
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 24 2008, 14.32.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received two reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 24) involving a kindergarten cum child care centre and a special child care centre, affecting a total of 14 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's staff have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

For the 11-year-old boy with encephalopathy and passed away yesterday, preliminary findings did not reveal any infective agent.

Further investigation is going on.

Encephalopathy or encephalitis may be due to infectious or non-infective causes. Definitive cause may not be established in some cases.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/24/P200804240244.htm
------

 

[Commonground]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

April 23rd report:

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

Among the 31 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have laboratory evidence of influenza including nine discharged cases and one case in stable condition.

The remaining 21 cases had preliminary influenza tests that were negative, including 15 discharged cases and five patients who are now in hospital.

April 24th

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received two reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 24) involving a kindergarten cum child care centre and a special child care centre, affecting a total of 14 people

Alright, when they say a "total of 14" it means the 5 now in hospital (23rd report) plus two today is 7, and the 10 who were confirmed. Wouldn't that be a total of 17?

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

April 23rd report:



April 24th


Alright, when they say a "total of 14" it means the 5 now in hospital (23rd report) plus two today is 7, and the 10 who were confirmed. Wouldn't that be a total of 17?

I haven't yet seen the Annex with numbers of cases. But I think that today TWO is to be intended as TWO spot of ILI outbreaks with a number of people involved.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Flu_daily%20update_24_04_08_fianl.pdf

Table 1 - Newly reported institutional influenza-like illness outbreaks (as of 24 April 2pm)

Outbreak Status (Number of outbreaks) / Name of institutions
*Suspected (2) / Yan Chai Hospital Ming Tak Kindergarten, HHS Shui Pin Wai Centre

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

[Excerpts from http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Flu_daily update_24_04_08_fianl.pdf)

Daily Update of Influenza Situation - April 24, 2008 - (Day 5 of Week 17)

? Highlights
* Recent data suggested declining influenza activity in general. Nonetheless, daily fluctuation in outbreak reporting has been observed.

* The number of children hospitalized with influenza related complications during the past 6 weeks is compatible with previous years.

* Influenza occurs in Hong Kong throughout the year and some outbreaks in schools and institutions are expected as baseline. Parents, schools, and staff of institutions should remain vigilant against influenza at all times.

1. Since our last Update, we have received two reports of suspected influenza outbreaks affecting a kindergarten and a special child care centre (Table 1 and Figure 1).

2. While the vast majority of children with influenza recover spontaneously, influenza is also a known cause of complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, myocarditis, encephalopathy, etc.
Influenza also not uncommonly causes hospitalizations among children.

A total of approximately 1,400 children aged 12 years or below were hospitalized in hospitals under the Hospital Authority due to influenza (principal diagnosis) in 2007.

Preliminary analysis showed that, each year from 2004 to 2007, there were about 100 children (age 12 years or younger) having a discharge diagnosis of influenza with either pneumonia, sepsis, myocarditis, encephalopathy or shock.

The monthly number was about 20-30 during the influenza season in March (Hospital Authority figures).

3. An influenza surveillance arrangement with public and private hospitals has been set up since March 13 to monitor the number of hospital reports on children aged 12 years or below who have fever, respiratory symptoms, and clinically more severe complications*.

No new report was received since our last Update.
So far, a total of 31 reports have been received.

(a) To date, 10 children have had laboratory evidence of influenza (3 influenza type A and 7 influenza type B) obtained by rapid tests, PCR or virus culture. Nine of the 10 have already been discharged and one remains stable in hospital.
(b) The remaining 21 children were found to be negative in their preliminary influenza tests. Of these, 15 were discharged, five patients are still in hospital and one had passed away (Table 2).

4. Seasonal influenza activity is declining in the community as reflected in laboratory and sentinel surveillance.
In the week ending April 19, the number of influenza detections was 82, which was at similar level as the previous week (Figure 2). Consultations for ILI in sentinel private doctors and general outpatient clinics were stable in the week ending April 12 (Figures 3-4).

5. In the week ending April 19, hospital admission rates due to influenza for children aged 0 to 4 years and for elderly 65-year-old or older remained at similar level compared to the previous week. Attendance at the hospital accident and emergency departments yesterday showed a decrease (Figures 5-7).
(...)
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 25 2008, 13.46.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received one outbreak report of influenza-like illness today (April 25) involving a primary school affecting three students (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, two reports involving a five-year-old girl and an 11-month-old boy were received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The girl is now in Tuen Mun Hospital while the boy is in Queen Mary Hospital. Their preliminary influenza tests are both negative.

Among the 33 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have laboratory evidence of influenza including nine discharged cases and one case in stable condition.

For the other 23 cases who had preliminary influenza test negative, 16 were discharged, one had died as reported on April 23, and six patients were still in hospital including a critically ill three-year-old girl.

Her respiratory sample yielded positive results for human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

The spokesman said that hMPV has been reported worldwide and known to cause respiratory tract infection predominantly in children. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate in healthy children. It is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/25/P200804250286.htm
------

 

[Shiloh]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Source: http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080425/html/080425en05019.htm

April 25, 2008

Surveillance
*
3 Tai Po students in flu outbreak
*
Centre for Health Protection

The Centre for Health Protection has received one influenza-like illness outbreak report, involving three students of the Hong Kong Institute of Education Jockey Club Primary School in Tai Po.

They outbreak involved two boys and one girl aged 7 and 8. Staff have visited the school and provided health advice.

It has also received today two reports involving a five-year-old girl and an 11-month-old boy under the flu surveillance arrangement set up with private and public hospitals. The girl is in Tuen Mun Hospital while the boy is in Queen Mary Hospital. Their preliminary flu tests are negative.

Among the 33 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have been confirmed to have flu - nine have been discharged and one is stable.

For the other 23 cases who tested negative for flu, 16 were discharged, one died on April 23, and six patients were still hospitalised including a critically ill three-year-old girl in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Her respiratory sample yielded positive to human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

This disease has been reported worldwide and known to cause respiratory tract infection, predominantly in children. It is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions, with mild to moderate symptoms in healthy children.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

No reports under influenza surveillance arrangement
April 26 2008, 11.02.40

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 26) received no report through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

Among the 33 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have laboratory evidence of influenza including nine discharged cases and one case in stable condition.

For the other 23 cases who had preliminary influenza test negative, 16 were discharged, five patients were still in hopsital, and two had died.

The two fatal patients were the 11-year-old boy reported on April 23 and a three-year-old girl reported having detected human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

She had underlying medical condition and passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital this morning.

hMPV has been reported worldwide and known to cause respiratory tract infection predominantly in children. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate in healthy children.

It is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions.

A spokesman for CHP said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/26/P200804260150.htm
------

 

[Shiloh]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Source: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080426/html/080426en05001.htm

April 26, 2008

Surveillance
*
Girl with human metapneumovirus dies
*
Centre for Health Protection

A three-year-old girl with human metapneumovirus infection has died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Centre for Health Protection says.

The centre said the patient had an underlying medical condition and her respiratory sample yielded positive to human metapneumovirus.

This disease has been reported worldwide and known to cause respiratory tract infection, predominantly in children. It is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions, with mild to moderate symptoms in healthy children.

Meanwhile, the centre received no new report through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up with private and public hospitals.

Among the 33 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have been confirmed to have flu - nine have been discharged and one is stable.

For the other 23 cases who tested negative for flu, 16 were discharged, five were still in hospital, and two died including the three-year-old girl with human metapneumovirus infection.

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

No reports under influenza surveillance arrangement
April 27 2008, 9.20.05

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 27) received no report through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

Members of the public are advised to stay alert by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They should 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/200804/27/P200804270135.htm
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 28 2008, 12.29.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received no report of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 28).

There is also no report under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

About 286,700 target clients have received influenza vaccination under the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme since November 2007.

The spokesman urged eligible high risk clients to get influenza vaccination early before the programme comes to an end at the end of April 2008.

"As it takes about two weeks for people to take up immunity after vaccination, timely vaccination for the high risk groups can ensure that they acquire adequate protection against influenza-related complications in case of infection.

"Those who are covered by the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme but have not received the vaccines may continue to seek vaccination with public clinics until supplies run out," the spokesman said.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk.
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/general_en.xml
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 29 2008, 12.51.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received five reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 29) involving an elderly home, three primary schools and a child care centre, affecting a total of 38 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's staff have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

About 286,700 target clients have received influenza vaccination under the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme since November 2007.

The spokesman urged eligible high risk clients to get vaccinated before the programme comes to an end at the end of April 2008.

"As it takes about two weeks for people to take up immunity after vaccination, timely vaccination for the high risk groups can ensure that they acquire adequate protection against influenza-related complications in case of infection.

"Those who are covered by the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme but have not received the vaccines may continue to seek vaccination with public clinics until supplies run out," the spokesman said.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/general_en.xml
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

LCQ15: Influenza Vaccination Programme
April 30 2008, 6.45.00

Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

Question: Regarding the Childhood Immunisation Programme ("CIP"), will the Government inform this Council:
* (a) given that the authorities said earlier that it would study the possibility of inoculating all children under 12 with influenza vaccines, of the latest progress of the study, and whether the authorities will implement the recommendations of the study before the next influenza peak season arrives; and
* (b) given that it has been reported that a university's study, which was commissioned by the authorities, on the cost-effectiveness of incorporating new or combination vaccines (including pneumococcal vaccines) into CIP had been completed, of the outcome of the study, and whether the authorities will consider making reference to the outcome of the study and update CIP in the near future?

Reply: Madam President,
* (a) The Government's annual Influenza Vaccination Programme is developed in accordance with recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) established under the Centre for Health Protection. Each year, the SCVPD will recommend influenza vaccination for certain high risk groups, taking account of the latest scientific studies worldwide, recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the local situation.
The SCVPD will make recommendations on influenza vaccination for the flu seasons in 2008-09 shortly.
The Government will define the target groups to be covered under the Influenza Vaccination Programme for the coming year by this summer, having regard to the SCVPD's recommendations.

* (b) The Department of Health (DH) has commissioned a local university to conduct a study on the cost-effectiveness of incorporating various new or combination vaccines (including the 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (PCV-7), hepatitis A vaccine, chickenpox vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine) into the Childhood Immunisation Programme (CIP).
The study is near completion and the report will be submitted soon.
The SCVPD will then study the findings and make recommendations to the DH.

In considering whether to include a new vaccine in the CIP, the DH needs to take into account a number of factors including epidemiology, disease burden, the safety, efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness and supply of the vaccine, the acceptance of injection of the vaccine among the public, the availability of other preventive measures, the administrative arrangements for vaccination, etc.
-
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/30/P200804300125.htm
------

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Re: _|HONG KONG, Gov Rpts - SAR, INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS AND ARI UPDATE(S)|_|MARCH 23+|

Update of influenza situation
April 30 2008, 13.01.00

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received three reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 30) involving two primary schools and a child care centre, affecting a total of 10 people (see Annex).

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.

CHP's staff have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

They 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 rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

About 286,700 doses of influenza vaccines were administered in the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme for 2007/08.

Eligible clients who have not received the vaccines can seek vaccination at public clinics until supplies run out.

More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200804/30/P200804300265.htm
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