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: Ten new cases of human swine influenza (6/12/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) said DH is investigating 10 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


Seven of them are imported cases.

This brings to 73 the total number of human swine influenza (HSI) cases in Hong Kong.

Among the 10 confirmed patients, two are household members of the students from St. Paul's Convent School who were confirmed to have infected with HSI yesterday. One of them is a student of the school.

The first local case involved a 13-year-old girl is the sister of a confirmed patient of the school. She also studied in Form 1 of the same school. She developed cough and runny nose in the late evening yesterday and admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) for isolation. Her parents had already been put under directly observed chemoprophylaxis and medical surveillance (DOCMS).

The second local case is a 53-year-old man who is the father of a student of the school confirmed to have infected with HSI. He developed fever, cough, sore throat, myalgia and headache on June 11. He was admitted to PYNEH today for isolation. Her wife and a domestic helper had already been put under DOCMS.

The third local case involved a 13-year-old girl studying in the school. She developed headache on June 7, sore throat and cough on June 9. The girl was taken to PYNEH on June 11 for isolation. Her family members are asymptomatic.

The first imported case involved a 21-year-old woman who returned to Hong Kong from the Philippines by taking a flight of Cebu Pacific (flight no. 5J110) on June 10. She sat in row 18 of the flight. She developed fever and cough on June 6 when she was still in the Philippines. She was intercepted by Port Health Office and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) by ambulance for isolation.

The second imported case involved a 49-year-old woman who returned to Hong Kong from Toronto on June 7. She developed runny nose, headache and fever on June 10 and was admitted PYNEH for isolation the next day.

The third and the forth imported cases involved two sisters aged eight and 15. They came to Hong Kong from the Philippines by taking a flight of Cathay Pacific (flight no. CX900) on June 11. They sat in row 51 of the flight. The elder sister developed cough on June 8 when she was still in the Philippines. The younger one developed cough and fever during the journey. They were intercepted by Port Health Office and were taken to PMH by ambulance for isolation.

The fifth imported case involved a 46-year-old man who returned to Hong Kong from the United States on June 5. He developed cough and headache on June 7 and was admitted to PMH for isolation.

The sixth imported case involved a 26-year-old man who returned to Hong Kong from the United States on June 8. He developed cough and runny nose on June 11 and was admitted to PYNEH for isolation.

The seventh imported case involved a 10-year-old girl. She returned to Hong Kong from San Francisco by taking a flight of Singapore Airlines (flight no. SQ1) on June 11. She sat in row 50 of the flight. She developed fever this morning and was taken to United Christian Hospital for isolation.

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

Investigations into these cases are ongoing.

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 16-20 of 5J110 arrived in Hong Kong on June 10, those sitting in rows 49-53 of CX900 arrived in Hong Kong on June 11 and, those sitting in rows 48-52 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.

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: The Caritas Medical Centre influenza-like illness cases (6/12/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:


The Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) spokesperson made the following announcement today (June 12):

Four child residents (two boys, two girls, aged 2 to 12) residing on the same floor of the Developmental Disabilities Unit (DDU) in CMC have presented with fever and respiratory symptoms since June 9.

CMC has arranged appropriate clinical tests for these children, including human swine flu test.

The preliminary results of influenza A tests are negative.

All the children are receiving isolation treatment and in stable condition.

Infection control measures within the hospital have been stepped up, including compulsory registration and temperature measurement of all visitors to the affected ward.

New admission is suspended while the visiting arrangement remains unchanged. All other child residents are under close surveillance.

The hospital has reported these cases to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection.
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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: Additional special grant for welfare units to fight human swine flu (6/12/09)

The Social Welfare Department has written to welfare service units that an additional $10 million will be allocated to them to step up cleanliness and precautionary measures against human swine influenza.


"Following the confirmation of the first cluster of local cases of human swine flu, we would like to remind welfare service units to continue and further step up precautionary measures to provide a cleaner, healthier and safer environment for the elderly, young children and other service users as well as the carers looking after them," a spokesman for the department said today (June 12).

The grant will cover more than 3,000 welfare service units, including residential care homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, day elderly services units, day rehabilitation services units, child care centres and integrated youth services centres. Each welfare service unit will receive materials or $3,000 for the purpose of purchasing cleaning and disinfectant items.

The grants will be released within seven days.

"We have attached great importance to the prevention of human swine influenza at welfare service units and have been working closely with the Centre for Health Protection."

"All these units should step up precautionary measures with reference to the latest guidelines issued by SWD on the prevention of the spreading of influenza as well as the health advices issued by the Centre for Health Protection," the spokesman said.

The department had allocated $10 million for the first time in early May for welfare service units to step up cleanliness and guard against the disease.
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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: Smooth running on first day of Designated Flu Clinics (with photos) (6/13/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The first day of service of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFC) of the Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 13) was smooth and orderly, recording a total attendance of 236 patients with influenza-like-illness symptoms.

The HA Chairman, Mr Anthony Wu, and Chief Executive, Mr Shane Solomon visited the DFCs today to see the clinic operation as well as thanking the frontline staff for their hard work.

"The eight DFCs of HA were put into service today to treat patients with symptoms of influenza-like-illness (ILI), such as fever (body temperature at 38 degree Celsius or above) with either cough, sore throat or both.Symptomatic patients would be given anti-viral treatment," the HA spokesman said.

"The eight DFCs have ceased to provide general outpatient services. Those chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight clinics have been reminded to proceed to the corresponding drug refill clinics (see appended list) for refill of medication according to their date of original appointment. They should bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card."

The spokesman added that another two general outpatient clinics, the Central District Health Centre and Tin Shui Wai North General Outpatient Clinic, will also suspend from service today and Monday (June 15) respectively due to manpower deployment.

Similar service arrangements have been made for chronic patients on drug refill.

"To help remind the chronic patients, an Announcement of Public Interests on clinic arrangements was started to broadcast in all radio stations from today. Over the past few days, the arrangements of DFCs and drug refill clinics have already been widely publicised through various channels, including announcements in the mass media, posting up of banners and posters at the clinics concerned. Furthermore, the public can also access to the relevant information of DFCs and the drug refill clinics via HA general enquiry hotlines 2882 4866 or 2300 6555, or visit the HA website www.ha.org.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: Eleven new cases of human swine influenza (6/13/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 13) said the department was investigating 11 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).

This brings to 84 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The first newly confirmed case involved a 28-year-old woman who returned to Hong Kong from the Philippines on June 10. She had onset of cough on June 11 and fever on June 12. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day for isolation.

The second case is a 17-year-old woman who returned to Hong Kong from Thailand on June 12 by taking a flight of Bangkok Airways (flight no. PG805). She sat in row 9 of the flight. She developed fever, cough and vomiting on June 11. She was intercepted by Port Health Office and was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) by ambulance for isolation.

The third case involved a 21-year-old man who returned to Hong Kong from Vancouver on June 12 by taking a flight of Air Canada (flight no. AC007, codeshare Thai Airways TG5867). He sat in row 51 of the flight. He had onset of cough and sore throat before boarding the flight and was taken to PMH from the airport for isolation.

The fourth case involved a 27-year-old man living in Canada. He arrived in Hong Kong from Canada on June 12 by taking a flight of Air Canada (flight no. AC15). He sat in row 40 of the flight. He had fever during the journey and was intercepted by Port Health Office. He was taken to PMH for isolation by ambulance.

The fifth case involved a 19-year-old woman. She returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland by train on June 10. She developed fever on June 12 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for isolation.

The sixth case involved a 36-year-old man who returned to Hong Kong from Thailand on June 10 by taking a flight of Orient Thai Airlines (flight no. OX200). He sat in row 6 of the flight. He had onset of fever, cough and sore throat on June 11 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital (UCH) on the next day for isolation.

The seventh case is a 15-year-old girl studying in the United States. She returned to Hong Kong via Tokyo on June 11 by taking a flight of Northwest Airlines (flight no. NW7). She sat in row 33 of the flight. She developed sore throat on June 11 and fever on the next day. She was admitted to UCH on June 12 for isolation.

The eight to tenth cases involved a three-member family, a 39 year old man, his wife (40-year-old) and the daughter (19-year-old). The man returned to Hong Kong from Thailand on June 10 by taking a flight of China Airlines (flight no. CI642). He sat in row 17 of the flight. He had onset of fever, cough, runny nose and chills on June 10. The wife and the daughter developed fever and cough on June 12. Three of them were admitted to UCH on June 13 for isolation.

The last case is a 13-year-old girl studying in St Paul Convent School. She developed diarrhea and cough on June 10 and was admitted to PMH on June 12.

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

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 7-11 of PG805 arrived in Hong Kong on June 12, those sitting in rows 50-53 of AC007 arrived in Hong Kong on June 12, and those sitting on rows 38-42 of AC15 arrived in Hong Kong on June 12, those sitting in rows 4-8 of OX200 arrived in Hong Kong on June 10, those sitting in rows 31-35 of NW7 arrived in Hong Kong on June 11, and those sitting in rows 15-19 of CI642 arrived in Hong Kong on June 10, and crew members of the flights concerned who had served the affected sections of the cabins concerned as well as other close contacts of the patients.

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

Investigations into the cases are ongoing.

DH today received a total of 52 specimens from Designated Flu Clinics.

Laboratory results are pending,'' the spokesman said.

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: Eight new cases of human swine influenza (6/14/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 14) said the department was investigating eight newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


Five of them are imported cases.

This brings to 92 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The first imported case involved a 17-year-old woman studying in the United States. She returned to Hong Kong from New York on June 8. She had onset of fever yesterday and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on the same day for isolation.

The second imported case involved a 16-year-old boy studying in Los Angeles. He returned to Hong Kong via Seoul on June 12 by taking a flight of Korean Air (flight no. KE607). He sat in row 16 of the flight. He developed fever and cough on June 12 and was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital (RH) for isolation on June 13.

The third imported case involved a 39-year-old man who returned to Hong Kong from Bangkok on June 10. He had onset of sore throat, fever and myalgia on June 11 and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) for isolation on June 12.

The fourth imported case involved a 15-year-old girl. She, accompanied by her mother, arrived in Hong Kong from Los Angeles on June 14 by taking a flight of Cathay Pacific (CX883). She sat in row 59 of the flight. She developed fever, cough and sore throat on June 10. She declared symptoms at the airport and was taken to Tuen Mun Hospital for isolation. Her mother developed runny nose today and was admitted to RH for isolation and testing.

The fifth imported case involved a 33-year-old woman who returned to Hong Kong from the Philippines on June 13 by taking a flight of Philippine Airlines (flight no. PR306). She sat in row 70 of the flight. She had onset of fever on June 13 and was intercepted by Port Health Office. She was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.

The remaining three cases involved three 13-year-old girls studying in St Paul's Convent School. They had onset symptoms including sore throat, cough and fever on June 12. One of them was taken to PYNEH for isolation on June 12 while the other two were admitted to the same hospital on June 13.

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

DH is now tracing passengers sitting in rows 16-18 of KE607 arrived in Hong Kong on June 12, those sitting in rows 57-61 of CX883 arrived in Hong Kong on June 14, and those sitting in row 68-72 of PR306 arrived in Hong Kong on June 13, and crew members of the flights concerned who had served the affected sections of the cabins concerned as well as close contacts of the patients.

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

Investigations into the 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: Designated Flu Clinics update as at June 14 (6/14/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Regarding the services of the 8 Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs), the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson provided the following updates today (June 14):


The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 168 patients.

The spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs would cease the provision of general outpatient services.

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 with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
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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: Tai Po volunteers help the elderly fight influenza (with photos) (6/14/09)

To help elderly people better equip themselves in guarding against human swine influenza, volunteers from the Tai Po District Office and the Salvation Army Tai Po Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens visited single elderly residents in Tap Mun and San Wai Chai, Tai Po, this weekend.


Volunteers sent their warm regards to the residents, explained precautionary measures and distributed disinfectant packs during the visits.

The programme recruited 72 volunteers from 22 local volunteer groups as "Good Apple Health Ambassadors" to organise visits to the single elderly people living in the remote areas in Tai Po and Sai Kung North. Since the programme was launched in mid May, volunteers have visited various rural areas, including Sam Mun Tsai, Ting Kok and Tai Po Mei.

It is estimated that the programme will cover about 2,500 single elderly residents in the district.

Prior to the home visits, volunteers received basic training during which they learned about human swine influenza and how to wear face masks and wash hands. They in turn spread such messages to the elderly people during the visits. In addition, information on emotional support hotlines is also included in the disinfectant packs so that those who suffer from anxiety and emotional distress because of the disease can seek help and support.

A social worker from the Salvation Army Tai Po Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens who helped co-ordinate the campaign, Ms Shum Fung-ha, said, "Not only could the activity heighten the elderly's awareness of the flu, the volunteers who took part in the programme also learnt more about the disease and better equipped themselves to fight the pandemic."

Tai Po District Officer, Mr Eddie Poon, said, "In view of the latest developments in the pandemic, the Tai Po District Office will step up cleaning at the public enquiry service centre and community halls managed under the office and continue to co-operate with district organisations to promote flu prevention work in the community.

"We also plan to collaborate with local non-profit organisations and district councillors to organise a series of activities to ensure that relevant health messages reach all sectors of the community."
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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 (6/15/09)

The Department of Health (DH) today (June 15) advised a secondary school in Wan Chai to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (June 16) to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the school.


The advice was made following the confirmation of the 103rd case of human swine influenza in Hong Kong involving a 15-year-old girl, a DH spokesman said.

The girl is a Form Four student of Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School at Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai.

She lives with her parents at Shun Lee Disciplined Services Quarters, Kwun Tong. She sought medical consultation from a private doctor after developing fever on June 12 and cough on June 13. She attended the Kowloon Bay Designated Flu Clinic on June 14. A respiratory specimen taken from the girl was tested positive to human swine influenza today. She has been taken to United Christian Hospital for isolation . DH's investigation showed that the girl had no travel history. She last attended the school for school examination on June 12. Her parents are 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: HA Designated Flu Clinics update (6/15/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs), the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (June 15):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 248 patients.

The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

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 with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.

To strengthen the provision of general outpatient services, additional evening clinic session will be arranged at Kennedy Town Jockey Club Clinic and Chai Wan Health Centre starting from today.

The opening hours of the evening clinics are every Mondays to Fridays from 6pm to 10pm.

Members of the public can make appointment through the telephone booking system.
- Kennedy Town Jockey Club Clinic (Telephone: 3543 5088)
- Chai Wan Health Centre (Telephone: 3157 0088)
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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 Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School (6/15/09)

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (June 15) that Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School in Wan Chai would be suspended for 14 days between tomorrow (June 16) and June 29 (Monday).


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

DH was actively tracing students and teachers who might have been in contact with the contracted student and would offer treatment to and necessary medical surveillance for those in need.

An EDB spokesman said the school had activated its Crisis Management Team to handle matters relating to class suspension, and the final examination will be deferred accordingly until June 30 when the school re-opens.

Relevant information had been posted on the school's webpage and also disseminated to parents and students via SMS.

The spokesman added that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the school premises tonight.

During the class suspension period, the school premises would be closed.

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: Twelve new cases of human swine influenza (6/15/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 15) said the department was investigating 12 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) (please see attachment).



This brings to 104 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

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

DH is tracing close contacts of the patients.

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: DH advises a secondary school to suspend classes (6/16/09)

The Department of Health (DH) today (June 16) advised a secondary school in Kowloon Tong to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (June 17) to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the school.


The advice was made following the confirmation of two human swine influenza cases in the school involving a 13-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, a DH spokesman said.

"They are Year 8 students of Australian International School Hong Kong with an influenza-like-illness outbreak today. Some 60 students were reported sick today.

"So far, 29 students of the school with respiratory symptoms have been identified.

Arrangements of taking them to hospital for further management are being made," he said.

The boy lives in Park Avenue, Tai Kok Tsui. He developed fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat on June 14 and attended the Central Kowloon Designated Flu Clinic on the next day.

The girl lives in Sai Kung. She had onset of cough, fever and sore throat on June 14. She sought medical attention from a private doctor on June 15.

Respiratory swabs taken from them were tested positive to swine influenza today.

DH's investigation showed that both of them had no travel history and their last day attending school was June 12. Investigations into the cases are 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: EDB announces 14-day class suspension of Australian International School Hong Kong (6/16/09)

The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (June 16) that Australian International School Hong Kong in Kowloon Tong would be suspended for 14 days between tomorrow (June 17) and June 30 (Tuesday).


The decision was made after a joint assessment by EDB and the Department of Health (DH) upon confirmation that two Grade 8 students of the school had contracted human swine influenza (HSI).

DH was actively tracing students and teachers who might have been in contact with the contracted students and would offer treatment to and necessary medical surveillance for those in need.

An EDB spokesman said the school had activated its Crisis Management Team to handle matters relating to class suspension.

The school had issued a letter to notify parents of various arrangements.

While the school term will end on June 26, the school premises would be closed all through the class suspension period.

The school had also reminded its students to avoid going to crowded places during the class suspension period. The spokesman added that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would arrange cleansing and disinfection of the school premises. 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: HA Designated Flu Clinics update (6/16/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs), the Hospital Authority spokesman provided the following updates today (June 16):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provided treatment to 264 patients.

The authority spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs had stopped providing general outpatient services.

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 with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and take their appointment slip and Identity Card.
-

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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 (6/16/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 16) said the department was investigating 14 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) (please see attachment).


This brings to 118 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today. DH is tracing close contacts of the patients.

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: UCH nurse confirmed human swine influenza (6/17/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (June 17) regarding the confirmed case of human swine influenza (HSI) of a nurse:

The nurse developed fever, cough, chills and rigor on June 16.

She was admitted to the isolation ward for treatment via Accident and Emergency Department and has immediately taken Tamiflu medication treatment, her condition is stable.

Our Pathology laboratory detected a positive result for Human Swine influenza on a respiratory sample of the nurse at noon of today (June 17).

Centre of Health Protection confirmed the case tonight.

The nurse has no travel history in the past 7 days.

The home contacts of the staff are asymptomatic.

We have provided psychological support to the concerned nurse and her family.

The nurse works in the Paediatric Isolation Ward. The Paediatric Isolation Ward is a fever triage ward for suspected and confirmed HSI case. The nurse follows the Hospital Authority Infection Control Guideline for patient care.

She wears surgical masks, gloves and protective gown during routine care of patients under isolation. She wears full set of Personal Protective Equipment (including N95 respirator, face shields, gloves and protective gown) for high risk procedures.

UCH is now tracing the close contacts of the nurse including patients and clinical staff.

UCH has informed Centre of Health Protection for necessary follow up action for possible source of infection.

Up to the present moment, no other staff has been found to be infected by HSI.

We reassure the public that situation in hospitals is under control.

We will continue to follow the Hospital Authority Infection Control Guideline and hygiene for patients and staff. UCH held a staff forum tonight (June 17) to address staff concern and answer questions regarding the confirmed case, hosted by Hospital Chief Executive.
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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: Fifty-four new cases of human swine influenza (6/17/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (June 17) said the department was investigating 54 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).


Thirteen of them are imported while 41 are local.

This brings to 172 the total number of human swine influenza (HSI) cases in Hong Kong.

The new cases involved 32 female and 22 male aged between three and 55.

All of them are in stable condition and have been admitted to public hospitals for medical treatment.

Among them are 26 students of the Hong Kong Australian International School and the father of an affected student.

This brings to 29 the total number of people affected in the cluster.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl studying in ECF Saint Too Canaan College in Kwun Tong was confirmed to have infected with HSI. The school will suspend class for two weeks starting tomorrow.

A 29-year-old female nurse serving the Pediatric Ward of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) was confirmed to have infected with HSI.

She has been admitted to UCH in stable condition. DH is tracing close contacts of the patients.

In light of the development of HSI in Hong Kong, the spokesman noted that some disease control measures would be implemented tomorrow.

''The administration of directly observed chemoprophylaxis to or quarantine of close contacts of HSI patients will be stopped. Flight passengers in close contact with HSI patients will not be traced.

''Household contacts of confirmed patients will be put under medical surveillance and health advice will be provided," 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: DH advises a secondary school to suspend classes (6/17/09)

The Department of Health (DH) today (June 17) advised a secondary school in Kwun Tong to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (June 18) to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the school.


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

The spokesman said: "She is a Form Three student of ECF Saint Too Canaan College in Kwun Tong."

The girl developed headache on June 14, fever and cough on June 15. She attended Designated Flu Clinic on June 15.

She was taken to United Christian Hospital today for isolation.

Respiratory specimen taken from her was tested positive to swine influenza today. 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: Hospital Authority to implement new admission criteria (6/17/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:


The Hospital Authority (HA) today (Wednesday,June 17) announced a new set of triage and clinical management guidelines for patients with influenza-like infection (ILI) under the progressive mitigation phase of the human swine flu pandemic.

The new arrangements, to be effective from tomorrow (June 18), would enable public hospitals to reserve their isolation capacity for confirmed cases and patients with more clinical severe condition.

The HA Director (Quality & Safety), Dr Leung Pak-yin, said ??in the last few days, isolation facilities in public hospitals have started to face a pressing demand to admit the rapidly increasing local cases and an even larger number of their symptomatic close contacts.

''Starting from tomorrow, only those confirmed patients and those with severe clinical conditions will be admitted to the hospitals''

Public hospitals and the Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) will continue to provide anti-viral treatment, medication for symptom control and information on self-care at home to symptomatic patients.

Tests will be done on selected patients, pregnant women, children aged two or below, and those with positive travel history, occupational exposure, contact history or clustering.

The patients will be advised to rest at home.

They will be called back when the laboratory investigation for human swine influenza is positive.

Arrangement will be made to transport patients to the hospitals for isolation. The DFCs today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 300 patients. The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services. 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 with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
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