HONG KONG, PRC SAR: [3,673 cases, 2 deaths, 41 in hospital: 2 serious, 3 in critical, from April 26 to July 31, 2009]

[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on human swine influenza (6/7/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said that in the 24 hours to 6pm today (June 7), 36 people were required to undergo human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) testing.


"22 of them tested negative for human swine influenza while laboratory results of the other 12 are pending, and the remaining two have tested positive for human swine influenza," the spokesman said.

So far, a total of 1,222 cases have been reported to the CHP for human swine influenza testing, and 1,172 of them have tested negative.

To 4pm today, the CHP's hotline 2125 1111 has received 4,793 calls since it was set up on April 30.

In light of the detection of new imported human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.

A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Five new imported cases of human swine influenza (6/7/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 7) said the department was investigating five newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


This brings to 38 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. All of them are imported cases.

The first newly confirmed case involved a 20-year-old man studying in London. He returned to Hong Kong on June 4 by taking a flight of British Airways (flight no. BA27). He lives in South Bay Garden, Southern District. He had onset of headache and fever in the evening of June 5. He sought medical attention at a private clinic in Admiralty on June 6 and was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital by ambulance. His home contacts are asymptomatic

The second case is a 32-year-old man who arrived in Hong Kong on June 6 from Manila by taking a flight of Dragonair (flight no. KA912). He developed fever, runny nose and cough on the flight. He sat in row 24 of the flight and had put on a mask during the journey. He declared cough in the health declaration form and was screed to have fever at the airport. He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) by ambulance.

The third case involved a 14-year-old boy studying in San Francisco. He came to Hong Kong with two elder sisters by a flight of Cathay Pacific (flight no. CX 873) and arrived at about 6.30am today. He sat in row 59 and put on a mask on the flight. He declared to have sore throat in the health declaration form. He was taken to PMH by ambulance.

The fourth case involved a 21-year-old woman who travelled from Los Angeles to Seoul on June 4. She travelled from Seoul to Hong Kong by taking a flight of Korean Airline (flight no KE603) in the morning of June 5. She sat in row 48 of the flight. The woman went by taxi from the Airport to her office in China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui before returning to her home in Nam Shan Estate by the same taxi. She had onset of cough in the late evening of the same day and sore throat in the morning of June 6. As she felt myalgia and worsening cough later, she left her office and sought medical consultation at a private clinic near her home by taxi. She was advised by the private doctor to go to hospital. The woman, accompanied by her mother, went to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) by taxi. She was admitted for isolation. Her mother is currently asymptomatic.

The fifth case involved a 23-year-old woman. She stayed in Manila since February this year. She developed cough and fever on May 31. Her symptoms improved after taking self medication. She and a friend arrived in Hong Kong today by taking a flight of CEBU Pacific (flight 5J108). She sat in row 20. Upon arrival, she declared cough on the health declaration form and was referred by Port Health Office to PMH for isolation. Her friend also had some respiratory symptoms on May 31 and recovered before travelling to Hong Kong.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the five patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today.

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 22-27 of KA912 arrived in Hong Kong on June 6, those sitting in rows 56-62 of CX873 arrived in Hong Kong on June 7, those sitting in rows 45-51 of KE603 arrived in Hong Kong on June 5, and those sitting on rows 17-23 of 5J108 arrived in Hong Kong on June 7, and crew members of the flights concerned who had served the affected sections of the cabins concerned as well as other close contact of the five patients.

Passengers who had travelled on the concerned flights are urged to call the DH hotline 2125 1111.

As the first patient had onset of symptoms more than 12 hours after arriving Hong Kong, the Centre for Health Protection would not trace the passengers of the flight concerned.

The spokesman urged the taxi drivers who took a 21-year-old woman from the airport to her office in China Hong Kong City and then took her from her office to her home in Nam Shan Estate around noon of June 5, or who took the woman from her office to Nam Shan Estate at about 10.45am of June 6, or who took her and her mother from Nam Shan Estate to QEH at about 11.30am of June 6 to call the hotline.

Investigations into the five cases are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Three more new imported cases of human swine influenza (6/8/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 8) said that the department was investigating three newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


This brings to 41 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. All of them are imported cases.

The first case involved a 27-year-old woman who left for Los Angeles with four colleagues on May 27 to participate in a jewellery exhibition in Las Vegas. They returned to Hong Kong by taking a flight of Cathay Pacific (flight no. CX881) in the morning of June 5. She sat in row 18 of the flight. The woman and her four colleagues took an airport bus to her office in North Point. She returned home in Hong Yat Court, Lam Tin by bus afterwards. DH's investigation showed that the woman had onset of cough and runny nose on June 2. She stayed at home all day on June 6 and consulted a nearby private doctor in the morning of June 7. Accompanied by their mother, her brother drove her to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital in the evening of the same day. She was admitted for isolation. Her family members and colleagues are asymptomatic.

The second case involved a 28-year-old woman. She and four colleagues travelled to Los Angeles on May 28 to attend the same exhibition participated by the patient of the first case. They returned to Hong Kong by taking a flight of Cathay Pacific (flight no. CX883) in the morning of June 5. She sat in row 60 of the flight. The woman took an airbus and Mass Transit Railway to her home in Sunshine City, Ma On Shan. She developed fever in the morning of June 6 and stayed at home for the whole day. She visited a friend on the next day and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) later that evening. She was admitted for isolation. Her home contact is asymptomatic.

The third case involved a 19-year-old man studying in the same institute in Switzerland which was attended by another confirmed patient reported on June 6. He returned to Hong Kong from Zurich by taking a flight of Swiss International Air Lines (flight no. LX138) on June 7. He sat in row 23 and wore a face mask during the journey. He declared to have fever at the airport and was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the three patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today.

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 17-19 of CX881 arrived in Hong Kong on June 5, and those sitting in rows 23-26 of LX138 on June 7, and crew members who had served the affected section concerned as well as other close contacts of the patients.

Passengers who had travelled on the two flights concerned are urged to call the DH's hotline 2125 1111.

As the second patient had onset of symptoms more than 12 hours after arriving Hong Kong, the Centre for Health Protection would not trace the passengers of the flight concerned. Investigations into the three cases are ongoing.

So far, three Hong Kong delegates to who attended the same jewellery exhibition in Las Vegas were confirmed to have infected with human swine influenza. Apart from the two confirmed cases today, a 21-year-old woman was also confirmed on June 7 to have infected with human swine influenza. She travelled from Los Angeles to Seoul on June 4 and returned to Hong Kong by taking a flight of Korean Air (flight No KE603) in the morning of June 5.

"DH had informed the organsier of the delegation about the three confirmed cases. Delegates are reminded to wear face mask for seven days after returning Hong Kong. They should seek medical advice immediately if they developed respiratory symptoms," the spokesman said.

He added that DH had provided health advice to the delegation before they left for the exhibition.

Meanwhile, the spokesman appealed to the members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on human swine influenza (6/8/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said that in the 24 hours to 6pm today (June 8), 61 people were required to undergo human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) testing.


"29 of them tested negative for human swine influenza while laboratory results of the other 29 are pending, and the remaining three have tested positive for human swine influenza," the spokesman said.

So far, a total of 1,283 cases have been reported to the CHP for human swine influenza testing, and 1,212 of them have tested negative.

To 4pm today, the CHP's hotline 2125 1111 has received 4,967 calls since it was set up on April 30.

In light of the detection of new imported human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.

A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Opening remarks by SFH on vaccination programme (with video) (6/9/09)

Following are the opening remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a press conference on the vaccination programme for human swine influenza, pneumococcal and seasonal influenza today (June 9):


As the Chief Executive has announced this morning, the Executive Council has endorsed the vaccination programme for human swine influenza.

And I now announce details.

The Executive Council has decided to initiate immediately the process for procurement of human swine influenza vaccines for four target groups of the population recommended by the Scientific Committees of the Centre for Health Protection, that is:

1. healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors;
2. children aged six months or above and below six years old;
3. elderly persons aged 65 and above; and
4. persons at higher risk of death and complications from human swine influenza due to pre-existing medical conditions.

These four target groups amount to about two million people.

Professor Yuen is one of the chairmen of one of the Scientific Committees.

He will talk about the rationales of the recommendation later on.

Human swine influenza is now a clear pandemic threat.

After taking stock of the global situation of human swine influenza and the recent development of disease transmission in countries and areas, particularly in Australia and Chile in the southern hemisphere, and the trend of imported cases locally in the past two weeks, most experts agree that local transmission in Hong Kong is both imminent and inevitable.

And the situation in winter would become even more severe.

To safeguard public health, a programme to provide vaccines to protect the more vulnerable groups in the population has to be devised.

So, an early decision has to be taken to secure a guaranteed supply of human swine influenza vaccines. But it is up to individuals to decide whether or not to take the vaccine.

It is entirely a voluntary scheme.

The Scientific Committee has also considered whether or not to recommend vaccinating the entire population against human swine influenza.

Their conclusion is that there is no such need because not all people are in the at-risk group and that there is a potential risk of severe adverse side effects of the vaccine. But since some members of the public might still want the vaccination even though they do not belong to the four categories of people, the Executive Council has therefore decided to order an extra one million doses for those who want to pay for the vaccination.

Since each person requires two doses, 500,000 people could benefit from this measure.

This category of individuals will not be subsidised. We will continue to gather facts from various vaccine manufacturers on the quality, availability and price of the vaccines; prepare tender for the eventual procurement of the vaccines; and seek funding approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council later this month. As there is a lead time of several months between placing the order and delivery, we will have to order the doses now, so that the vaccines will be ready for use in the coming winter flu season.

The vaccine is being developed.After it has obtained registration approval from the relevant drugs authorities, then the Government can start the actual vaccination. We order the five million doses as an insurance to safeguard public health just in case there is an outbreak in Hong Kong.

As a city without local capability and capacity of manufacturing vaccines, taking an early decision is the only way that Hong Kong can secure an adequate supply of vaccines.

The total cost for this vaccination programme is estimated to be about $700 million. Let me now turn to the programme for pneumococcal and seasonal flu vaccinations for the elderly. This morning, the Executive Council also decided to give those elderly aged 65 and above pneumococcal and seasonal influenza vaccines for free.

The decision was made because the two vaccines play an important role alongside human swine influenza vaccine in mitigating the impact of an influenza epidemic in Hong Kong.

They complement the human swine influenza vaccine in preventing influenza from seasonal viruses such as the Brisbane strain of H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B, and reducing hospitalisations and deaths among elderly people when the latter are infected. The cost of this programme is about $300 million. All these vaccinations can take place in public hospitals and clinics, or in private hospitals and clinics.

We are working out implementation details right now. If in the end we need help from private doctors, we hope they can help out the community in the spirit of co-operation in the fight against the pandemic.Public health must come first in their consideration. Tomorrow, I shall brief the Health Panel of the Legislative Council on details of these vaccination programmes.

And we prepare to seek funding approval of about $1 billion from the Finance Committee on June 19.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on human swine influenza (6/9/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said that in the 24 hours to 6pm today (June 9), 68 people were required to undergo human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) testing.


"39 of them tested negative for human swine influenza while laboratory results of the other 27 are pending, and the remaining two have tested positive for human swine influenza," the spokesman said.

So far, a total of 1,350 cases have been reported to the CHP for human swine influenza testing, and 1,277 of them have tested negative.

To 4pm today, the CHP's hotline 2125 1111 has received 5,132 calls since it was set up on April 30.

In light of the detection of new imported human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.

A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Four new imported cases of human swine influenza (6/9/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 9) said the department was investigating four newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


This brings to 45 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. All of them are imported cases.

The first case involved a 27-year-old woman who travelled with a friend to the United States and Canada from May 28 to June 6. They returned to Hong Kong in the evening of June 7 by taking Air Canada flight no. AC007, codeshare TG5867. She sat in row 54. The woman took an airport bus to her home in Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po, and stayed at home that evening. She developed a runny nose and cough on the morning of June 8. She took a taxi to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was admitted for isolation. Her family contact is asymptomatic.

The second case is a 33-year-old man who went to Phuket with a friend from June 4 to 8. They returned to Hong Kong by taking a Dragonair flight no. KA213 on June 8 at about 10.30pm. He sat in row 26. The man developed a cough on June 7. He declared symptoms in the health declaration form and did not pass temperature screening. He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) by ambulance for isolation.

The third case involved a 39-year-old man living in Melbourne. He travelled with his family to Hong Kong on June 8 at about 3.30pm by taking Cathay Pacific flight no. CX134. He sat in row 54. He developed a fever during the journey and did not pass temperature screening. He was taken to PMH by ambulance for isolation. His family members are asymptomatic.

The fourth case involved a 15-year-old girl studying in San Francisco. She returned to Hong Kong with an elder sister and a younger brother by taking Cathay Pacific flight no. CX873 on the morning of June 7. She sat in row 59. As her brother was confirmed to have human swine influenza upon arriving in Hong Kong on June 7, the girl had been put under directly observed chemoprophylaxis (DOC) and had taken tamiflu at Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village on the same day. She lived with her elder sister in Baiyun Building, Yau Ma Tei. She was detected to have a fever at Yau Ma Tei Chest Clinic on June 8 and was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance for isolation. Her family contacts are currently asymptomatic and have been put under DOC.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the four patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today.

The DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 51-57 of CA007 which arrived in Hong Kong on June 7, those sitting in rows 23-29 of KA213 which arrived in Hong Kong on June 8, and those sitting in rows 54-57 of CX134 which arrived in Hong Kong on June 8, and crew members of the flights who served the affected sections of the cabins concerned as well as other close contacts of the four patients.

Passengers who travelled on the concerned flights are urged to call the DH hotline 2125 1111.

Investigations into the four cases are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: SFH on human swine flu (6/10/09)

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the Legislative Council Building today (June 10):



Reporter:
So will Hong Kong have any corresponding measures once the WHO raises the alert level?

Secretary for Food and Health:
In fact, we are operating as if there is a pandemic already.

We are still having our measures at port health, hospital and clinic levels.

Of course we are also planning for a more serious winter influenza and that's why we put forth the proposal to Legco for the vaccination programme.

So in a way, we are already at the emergency level of alert and also at the highest level of alert.

But we will monitor what this implication would be, in other countries, particularly whether there would be any travel restrictions, whether there would be any significant changes in some of the national policy in some of the countries, we will take reference from that.

Reporter:
Some of the lawmakers have just said the Government-proposed vaccination programme is highly risky, because there might not be so many people getting the vaccination?

Secretary for Food and Health:
Of course we have explained to the legislators that, in fact, there are a very few experts in the world who can actually predict what will actually happen in winter.

But based on scientific analysis and prediction, we have to prepare for a serious flu season this winter.

And whether there would be an increase in the numbers of hospitalisation and of mortality, and whether it would affect more at-risk groups, so I think it is important for us to be determined, how we can protect those at-risk groups as far as possible.

Although we have to spend up to a billion dollars on the whole vaccination programme, but I believe this works for our insurance that we can actually afford and be able to give some sense of comfort for our citizens this year.For the next year, then of course, after the coming winter, we will be able to predict more precisely about what will happen in the coming years.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: EDB announces 14-day class suspension of St Paul's Convent School in Causeway Bay (6/10/09)

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (June 10) that classes of the secondary section of St Paul's Convent School in Causeway Bay will be suspended for 14 days between tomorrow (June 11) and June 24 (Wednesday).


The decision was made after a joint assessment by EDB and the Department of Health (DH) upon confirmation that a student of the school had contracted human swine influenza (HSI).

In order to safeguard the health of all students within the same campus, the school, announced that its primary, kindergarten and nursery sections would also close for the same period starting from tomorrow.

EDB and DH took note of the need for such school-based arrangement.

An EDB spokesman said the school had activated its Crisis Management Team to handle matters relating to class suspension including arrangements for the secondary school's examination.

Relevant information had been disseminated to parents through different channels.

The spokesman added that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would thoroughly clean and disinfect the school premises this evening.

During the class suspension period, the secondary school would be closed while the primary, kindergarten and nursery sections would remain open to serve those children whose parents have difficulties in arranging alternative child care.

The school had also reminded its students to avoid going to crowded places during the class suspension period.

EDB will maintain close liaison with DH and the school to offer timely support and advice.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: DH advises a secondary school to suspend classes (6/10/09)

The Department of Health (DH) today (June 10) advised a secondary school in Causeway Bay to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (June 11) to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the school.


The advice was made following the confirmation of the 49th case of human swine influenza in Hong Kong involving a 16-year-old girl, a DH spokesman said.

The girl is one of the students affected in an influenza-like-illness outbreak in the St Paul's Convent School reported to DH on June 9.

A throat swab taken from the girl was tested positive to swine influenza today. She has been taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.

A total of 12 students, including the 16-year-old girl, were found to have developed respiratory symptoms.

The patient lives with her mother, a younger brother and a domestic helper in Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom.

The girl developed fever and sore throat in the afternoon of June 7 and cough on June 8. She sought outpatient medical treatment at a private hospital.

DH's investigation showed that her brother had onset of fever and cough on May 30. He consulted a private doctor and recovered on June 4.

Her mother also reported to have fever today.

Meanwhile, the girl's mother, brother, and all the affected students with respiratory symptoms have been admitted to public hospitals for isolation. The domestic helper is asymptomatic. Investigation into the case is ongoing.

The spokesman called on parents to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Three new cases of human swine influenza (6/10/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 10) said the department was investigating three newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


This brings to 48 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The first case involved a 55-year-old man who did not travel in the past month. He attended a cocktail reception in Admiralty on June 5. Among the guest was a 20-year-old man who was confirmed to have infected with human swine influenza on June 7. The 55-year-old man developed fever, headache and cough in the late evening of June 8. He contacted DH the next day and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital by ambulance for isolation. His home contacts are asymptomatic.

The second case is a 21-year-old woman living in the United Kingdom. She arrived in Hong Kong by taking a flight of British Airways (flight no. BA025) in the afternoon of June 7. The woman lives with her mother and aunt in Kailey Court, King's Road, North Point. She had dinner with her mother, aunt and cousin in Causeway Bay in the evening of June 8. They took a taxi to North Point where the patient, her mother and her aunt got off in King's Road and then the cousin got off in Fort Street. The woman developed fever, runny nose, chills and headache in the morning of June 9. She, accompanied by her mother and aunt, consulted a nearby private doctor. She was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital by ambulance and was admitted for isolation. Her family contacts are asymptomatic.

The third case involved a 54-year-old woman who stayed in the United States since mid January. She had onset of sore throat on June 4 while in the United States. She travelled from Los Angeles to Seoul on June 8 and returned to Hong Kong by taking a flight of Korean Air (flight no KE607) on June 9. She sat in row 31. She developed cough and put on face mask on the flight. On arrival, she declared cough and sore throat and was given health advice by Port Health Office.The patient stayed the night in her friend's home at Tai Koo Shing. In the morning of June 10, she went to Ruttonjee Hospital by taxi and was admitted for isolation.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the three patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today.

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 28-34 of KE607 arrived in Hong Kong on June 9 and crew members of the flight concerned who had served the affected sections of the cabins concerned as well as other close contacts of the three patients. Passengers who had travelled on the concerned flight are urged to call the DH hotline 2125 1111.

The spokesman urged the taxi driver who took three women and a man from Pennington Street, Causeway Bay to King's Road, North Point where three women got off in Kings Road and a man got off in Fort Street at about 11pm on June 8 to contact DH hotline.

Investigations into the three cases are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are.

"If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Transcript of CE's media session (6/11/09)

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session on prevention of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) at Central Government Offices, West Wing, Central, today (June 11):



The steering committee has just confirmed the first cluster of local cases of human swine flu.

Twelve students of St Paul's Convent School have been infected. We are unable to identify the source of infection. This means they are indigenous cases.


We thus have to migrate from the current containment phase to a new mitigation phase.

In accordance with our contingency plan, we will take the following key measures.

All primary schools, kindergartens, child-care centres and special schools will suspend classes for 14 days from tomorrow.


The Education Bureau will inform parents through the schools. The bureau and the Department of Health will closely monitor developments every day and will decide whether we can resume classes or continue the closure after the 14-day period.

Meanwhile, the Hospital Authority will open on Saturday eight designated flu clinics for managing patients with influenza-like illness. The authority may expand the number of clinics to 18 if necessary.

The Secretary for Food and Health will brief you later today on details. As we have said, given the global situation, that Hong Kong will have its local cases is simply inevitable. I believe that fellow citizens and the Government have done all we can in postponing the arrival of the first indigenous case.

The Government will continue to be vigilant and be fully prepared for the worst.

For members of the public, there is no need for panic, but there is every need for staying alert and paying heightened attention to personal and community hygiene.

To win this fight against the swine flu, the Government and the people of Hong Kong must unite and work wholeheartedly together to stamp its spread. I am confident that together, we can do it. The Secretary for Education will now brief you about the suspension of schools.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: DH suspends parts of its frontline services (6/11/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 11) said a number of services provided by the department to members of the public would be suspended starting tomorrow until further notice.


The spokesman said the arrangement was part of the measures to prevent the possible spread of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the community.

The services affected comprise School Dental Care Service for primary students and Student Health Service for primary and secondary students.

Meanwhile, as the Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Polyclinic has been assigned as one of the Designated Flu Clinics of the Hospital Authority which will commence operation on June 13, the Shau Kei Wan Elderly Health Centre in the complex will be closed with effect from June 15.

"DH staff will contact clients who have made appointments at these services early next week to advise them on details of the arrangements," the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that services being provided by the department's Family Health Service had not been affected at this stage but parts of its services would soon be suspended.

"The public will be informed in advance in case of suspension of services," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Situation report on human swine influenza (6/11/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said that in the 22 hours to 6pm today (June 11), 98 people were required to undergo human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) testing.


"Fifty-seven of them tested negative for human swine influenza while laboratory results of the other 28 are pending, and the remaining 13 have tested positive for human swine influenza," the spokesman said.

So far, a total of 1,502 cases have been reported to the CHP for human swine influenza testing, and 1,410 of them have tested negative.

To 4pm today, the CHP's hotline 2125 1111 has received 5,524 calls since it was set up on April 30.

In light of the detection of new imported human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong, the spokesman called on members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

"To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are. "If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said. A daily update on swine influenza in humans is now available on the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Fourteen new cases of human swine influenza (6/11/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 11) said DH is investigating 14 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1). Three of them are imported cases.


This brings to 63 the total number of human swine influenza (HSI) cases in Hong Kong.

Among the 14 cases, 11 came from the same class of the 16-year-old girl of St. Paul's Convent School who was confirmed to have infected with HSI on June 10.

Ten of the girls developed respiratory symptoms since June 6 while another developed diarrhoea on June 10.

They were taken to public hospitals for isolation yesterday.

Laboratory analysis on their respiratory samples yielded positive results for HSI today.

Meanwhile, the mother and the brother of the 16-year-old girl, as well as one student from the same class and one student from another class with respiratory symptoms were tested negative to HSI. DH's investigation showed that all students from the same class did not have recent travel history nor contacted people with respiratory symptoms from affected areas.

Also, none of the teachers had travelled outside Hong Kong nor developed respiratory symptoms.

The first imported case involved a 43-year-old man who travelled to Europe since May 30. He had onset of sore throat and joint pain on June 6, and fever and malaise on June 7. The symptoms subsided one day before boarding the plane to Hong Kong. He returned to Hong Kong from London by taking a flight of British Airways (flight no. BA25) on June 10. He sat in row 36 and wore a face mask on the flight. He presented to Yan Chai Hospital at about midnight and was admitted for isolation.

The second imported case involved a 16-year-old girl living in San Francisco. She developed sore throat on June 6 and did not seek medical advice. The girl, accompanied by her parents, arrived in Hong Kong by taking a flight of Singapore Airlines (flight no. SQ1) on June 11. She sat on row 49 and put on a face mask on the flight. She could not pass the temperature screening and was taken to Queen Mary Hospital by ambulance for isolation. Her parents are asymptomatic.

The third imported case involved a 20-year-old woman studying in Switzerland. She returned Hong Kong from Zurich by taking a flight of Swiss International Air Lines (flight no. LX138) on June 7. She sat on row 23, next to a 19-year-old man who was confirmed to have infected with HSI on June 8. She wore a face mask during the journey. She developed sore throat and cough on June 9 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital the next day.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the three patients yielded positive results for HSI today.

Investigations into these cases are ongoing.

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 33-36 of BA25 arrived in Hong Kong on June 10, and those sitting in rows 46-52 of SQ1 arrived in Hong Kong on June 11 and crew members who had served the affected section concerned as well as other close contact of the patients. Passengers who had travelled on the flights concerned are urged to call the DH's hotline 2125 1111. In light of the present development of HSI, the spokesman said apart from the existing control measures implemented at control points, DH's Port Health Office would put up notices in all exit points to advise departure and transfer travellers not to travel if they have fever or influenza symptoms. Furthermore, DOC and medical surveillance or quarantine imposed on close contacts of confirmed patents will remain unchanged at the present stage, he said.

The spokesman appealed to the members of the public to advise their children, relatives or friends coming to Hong Kong from abroad to defer their trips if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. "To protect their own health and that of other travellers, they should seek medical attention where they are. "If they feel unwell on the plane, they should wear a face mask and inform cabin crew immediately," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: LCSD temporarily closes some of its children facilities (6/11/09)

In view of the recent development of human swine influenza, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (June 11) that, after consulting the Department of Health, it will temporarily close some of its children facilities and suspend activities organised for children from tomorrow (June 12) until June 25 to prevent the spread of the flu.


Facilities to be temporarily closed are: - children's playrooms, Toy Library and Children's Multimedia Room at Central Library, Children's Discovery Gallery at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

Activities to be temporarily suspended are:
- sports, recreational and cultural activities organised for children.
- classes and activities organised by Music Office and participated by children.

The department will inform the affected persons. In addition, cleansing and disinfecting arrangements have been stepped up in LCSD's leisure and cultural venues, including sports centres, parks and playgrounds, swimming pools, public libraries, museums, civic centres, performing venues, beaches, water sports centres, holiday camps, etc.

These measures include:
- Cleansing and disinfecting arrangements are enhanced for facilities which are frequently contacted by the public, such as carpets at the entrances of buildings, buttons of lifts, handrails, door handles, toilets and other facilities.
- Notices, posters and leaflets are displayed at venues to enhance the awareness of the public against the infection of the flu.
- Automatic disinfectant hand soap machines are installed at sports centres, holiday camps, squash centres, water sports centres, libraries, performing venues and museums. More equipment will be installed in sports centres with gymnasiums and major libraries with children's play rooms;
- Facilities contaminated with vomitus will be washed and disinfected with diluted bleach immediately;
- Staff will ensure that the flushing facilities in toilets are in good condition. Venue supervisors will inspect the venue more frequently to ensure sufficient provision of liquid soap and good condition of hand dryer (or sufficient provision of disposable hand towel);
- Cleansing and disinfection of all air-conditioning systems in the venues to ensure indoor ventilation;
- Masks will be provided on request;
- The frequency of park cleansing will be increased, especially the disinfection of children's play equipment. Facilities which can be contacted by the public will be disinfected with diluted bleach and washed with water;
- Cleansing of all interactive exhibits in museums will be stepped up.

For enquiries, the public may contact the Department's Hotline at 2414 5555.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Designated Flu Clinics in service upon confirmation of local case of swine flu (6/11/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 11) announced the activation of the territory-wide network of Designated Flu Clinics (DFC) upon confirmation by the Centre for Health Protection of local cases of human swine influenza in Hong Kong with unidentifiable source and Government??s announcement of the early mitigation phase for pandemic.

The HA spokesman said the Central Command Committee, under the leadership of Chief Executive Mr Shane Solomon, decided to open eight Designated Flu Clinics (see appended list) from this Saturday (13 June 2009) to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptoms of influenza-like-illness (ILI), in anticipation of increasing demand.

''Our target patients would be those with ILI symptoms such as fever (body temperature at 38?XC or above) with either cough, sore throat or both.Symptomatic patients would be given anti-viral treatment.

Basing on clinical conditions, patients would be transferred to designated hospitals for further management.''

''This will help share out the workload of the Accident & Emergency Departments of public hospitals, which in turn would concentrate on more serious and critical cases.''

The eight DFCs will operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every Mondays to Sundays, including public holidays.

The operating hours would be closely monitored and reviewed for adjustment basing on service needs. The spokesman also reminded the public that the eight DFCs would cease the provision of general outpatient services and suspend all episodic cases booked in advance through the telephone appointment system.

To reduce the risk of cross infection, patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics (see appended list) with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card. Patients attending the DFCs would be charged in accordance with current general outpatient fee schedule - at $45 per attendance for Entitled Persons and $215 for Non-Entitled Persons.

''HA has been working closely with the Centre for Health Protection on the necessary follow up actions. All acute hospitals have been informed of the newly confirmed cases and are ready to receive the contacts of the patients for further clinical assessment and isolation treatment if symptomatic.''

''Patients' specimen will be collected and tested as soon as possible. To ensure adequate laboratory support for conducting tests for symptomatic patients, the laboratory network at six hospitals, Princess Margaret Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital and United Christian Hospital have been providing 24-hour service. They will be working closely with the Public Health Laboratory Centre under Department of Health to meet service demand,'' the HA spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: SFH on first cluster of indigenous human swine influenza cases (with video) (6/11/09)

Following are the opening remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a press conference on the first cluster of indigenous human swine influenza cases today (June 11):



As the Chief Executive announced earlier today, we have the confirmation of the first cluster of indigenous cases of human swine influenza in Hong Kong.

Twelve secondary school students are infected.

Dr Tsang will talk more about the cases later. As there is no identifiable link to a place affected by Human Swine Influenza (HSI) outside Hong Kong or an imported index patient with them, our Fight the Pandemic campaign is now transiting from the containment to mitigation phase in gradual steps.

We will gear up our medical services and beef up our health advice to the public, particularly those people who are at risk. This morning, the steering committee reviewed the preparatory plans and also agreed on the implementation of a number of measures. On school closure, the Secretary for Education has already ordered all primary schools, kindergartens, kindergarten cum child care centres and special schools to suspend classes for 14 days from tomorrow, and will review the need to continue the class suspension thereafter. Let me explain why we close schools.

Cases in Mexico, US, Canada and Japan have all shown that schools, particularly primary schools, are more vulnerable to flu attacks and are the first place to get a flu cluster, with young school children having a more than two-fold attack rate compared with older teenagers and adults.

We do not want to see the young kids coming down with HSI. Furthermore, as past flu seasons have shown, young children especially those under six with flu are more likely to get complications and hospitalised, and also a higher mortality rate. We believe that by closing primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for two weeks, we can substantially slow down community spread, protect the very young and reduce the risk to the general public, thereby reducing the worries of parents, families and teachers as well as the burden on our hospital and clinics.

Let me take you through our other public health measures endorsed by the steering committee:

• The Hospital Authority (HA) will open eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) from the coming Saturday for managing patients with influenza-like-illnesses (ILI), to be expanded to 18 DFCs contingent on demand. The clinics will open from 9am to 5pm. They shall cater for all patients with influenza-like symptoms (self-referred or referred by other medical practitioners), and shall operate similar to General Outpatient Departments, but without the need for prior booking. Dr Leung will talk more about it later.
• Current port health measures at border control points for inbound travellers will continue. These include health declaration, temperature screening, and boarding of flights by port health officers when alerted by crew to sick passengers. Port Health will post notices at all exit points and advise all departure and transfer travellers not to travel if they are having fever or flu symptoms.
• On the management of index patients and contacts, the HA will isolate and treat all index patients in HA hospitals during this early mitigation phase. They will increase surge capacity when necessary commensurate with disease incidence and demand.
• The Department of Health will subject very close contacts, such as family members, to directly observed chemoprophylaxis (DOC) and medical surveillance, as is the current practice.But if the number of local cases continues to increase, the department will gradually phase out the DOC arrangement and close the DOC clinics. The precise programme for phasing out DOC will depend on the spread and speed of build-up in confirmed local cases.
• The Centre for Health Protection will no longer perform tracing of social contacts, given that their risk approximates that of the general public since the disease has taken root in the community by this time.
• On treatment, the HA, in consultation with the DH, will assess the treatment protocol on a continuous basis, and may vary it as circumstances change. Specimens from selected patients may be taken for surveillance, based on clinical assessment and contact history. Mild cases will be discharged home and only severe cases will be admitted to hospitals.
• On the use of antiviral, as the number of local cases accumulates to a certain point, the DH will order post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts to be generally stopped, reserving antiviral medication for treating more serious hospitalised inpatients.

Let me turn to other community and public institutions.

• For elderly homes, existing measures for outbreak at elderly homes will continue. Patients will be isolated and treated in HA hospitals.Others are to stay in institutions and wear masks and observe good personal hygiene.
• We advise people at workplaces to observe good personal hygiene and ensure proper disinfection of public places. Those with influenza-like illness should stay at home and wear masks if necessary only if they really need to go out.
• All conferences, exhibitions and public events may continue as usual. Organisers must ensure all participants observe good personal hygiene and disinfect all public places of the relevant premises properly. Organisers must advise those with influenza-like illness not to participate, stay at home and wear masks if necessary when going out.
• Public transport companies will have to step up vehicle cleaning and disinfection, and advise staff and passengers to maintain good personal hygiene, and wear masks if not feeling well.
• Public utilities companies will also have to step up cleaning and disinfection, advise staff to maintain good personal hygiene, and initiate pandemic preparedness plans to ensure no disruption to essential services. As the Chief Executive has said this morning, the public has no need for panic.

For the four high-risk groups, I have the following advice.

• For healthcare workers, they should take proper infection control measures to protect themselves and patients. Public sector workers have ample supplies of protection gear and training in infection control.Guidelines on infection control in clinics are available on CHP's website.
• The private medical sector and elderly care sector are advised to follow these guidelines closely to minimise their risk.
• For young children, parents should be watchful for fever and flu-like symptoms, take them to see a doctor early if the child is sick. Sick children should stay home. They should also avoid contact with other children who are unwell, avoid playgroups, tutorial classes especially large groups, avoid sharing toys, towels, eating utensils etc. with other children, and do not take aspirin unless approved by doctors.
• For pregnant mothers and persons with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, asthma, chronic lung diseases, renal disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer patients, patients with immuno-suppression therapy or on steroids), they should maintain good personal hygiene, especially handwashing, avoid contact with persons with flu-like symptoms, and overcrowded places. They should make sure that there is good ventilation around and be mindful of fever and flu-like symptoms, and seek medical attention early. They should inform doctors of their medical condition when consulting for flu-like illnesses.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to the public: do not smoke.

And particularly if you have chronic illnesses, do not smoke.

• For the elderly, the advice is the same as for persons with chronic illnesses. Elderly homes should remain vigilant to infection control measures and report influenza outbreaks to the CHP. I would also like to appeal to parents that during the school closure, they should look after their children well, make sure that they observe good personal hygiene, and that they are taken care of and stay at home when sick. The Government will try its utmost to minimise the impact of human swine influenza on Hong Kong. There is no need for panic and the last thing we want is complacency. All our measures are taken to go an extra mile in our fight against the pandemic. At the same time, life must go on, only with the necessary heightened precautions and social distancing. As the Chief Executive has said, we can only overcome crisis and win against the pandemic when people and the Government unite together.It means the following:
• Look after oneself,
• Care for others, especially family members, friends and neighbours,
• Care for the environment. We have witnessed great community spirit, compassion, co-operation and self-sacrifice from our citizens since the beginning of the pandemic since early May.

I am sure we can uphold this spirit, and are able to win this war against the pandemic and keep our society together.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

/Hong Kong: Users urged not to attend child care centres, day elderly services and rehabilitation units (6/11/09)

Attention Duty Announcer, Radio and TV Stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

"The Government has decided that all primary schools, kindergartens, kindergartens cum child care centres, and special schools have to suspend classes for 14 days from tomorrow (June 12) to prevent the transmission of human swine influenza. The Social Welfare Department advises people not to take their children or family members to child care centres, day elderly services units and day rehabilitation services units.

However, these centres will remain open to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them.

People are reminded to observe the advice on the precautionary measures against human swine influenza issued by the Government. In addition, those who may have experienced stress or emotional problems as a result of the flu are welcome to call the 24-hour Human Swine Influenza Emotional Support Hotlines for counselling, support and assistance. The hotlines manned by social workers of the Family Crisis Support Centre of Caritas-Hong Kong and the CEASE Crisis Centre of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals are as follows: Family Crisis Support Centre:3162 8883 CEASE Crisis Centre:2455 5859"
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Re: HONG KONG, PRC SAR: RESPONSE AND TRACKING (by Govt Agencies)

Hong Kong: Strategy for contact tracing of flight passengers adjusted (6/12/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (June 12) that the current practice of tracing of flight passengers in connection with confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) had been adjusted having regard to the latest developments of the disease in the community.


The spokesman said starting today, instead of tracing flight passengers sitting three rows in front and three rows behind of a passenger confirmed to have infected with human swine influenza, public health officers of the Centre for Health Protection would only contact passengers in the two rows in front and two rows behind of the patient to observe their health condition.

"Since human swine influenza has taken root in the community by this time and our Fight the Pandemic Campaign is now transiting from the containment to mitigation phase in gradual steps, the refinement of the contact tracing guidance can allow the health authority to be more focus in the control of the disease in the community.

''The new practice is also tally with the contact tracing arrangements being adopted by some overseas health authorities,'' the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Port Health Office has put up posters at the Airport and all other boundary control points to remind travelers to put on face masks and seek medical attention if they feel unwell in their journeys.
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