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Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

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Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Castle Peak Hospital cluster of RSV cases (11/7/2008) [CHP]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

A spokesperson of Castle Peak Hospital made the following announcement today (November 7):

Six patients (aged from 38 to 63) of a female long stay ward have presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms since November 4.


An appropriate test has been arranged for these patients and four of them are positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

The patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition.

Two staff members of the ward have also presented with respiratory symptoms. One of them has recovered and resumed duty, the other staff member is still on sick leave.

Infection control measures in the concerned ward have already been enhanced.

Admission to the ward has been suspended while all patients and staff in the ward are under close medical surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
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Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (11/8/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (November 8) that the case involved a 42-year-old woman who developed sore throat and oral ulcers on November 6. Her condition was stable.

CHP's investigation revealed that the woman had no travel history.

Her four-year-old son was confirmed to have infected with EV71 earlier. (Press release was issued on November 7).

Other family members are asymptomatic.

A total of 93 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Outbreaks of respiratory tract infection under close watch (11/10/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 10) urged members of the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infection by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.


The appeal was made after CHP received two reports of outbreaks of respiratory tract infection affecting 41 students .

In the first case, twenty students of a primary school in Kowloon City, comprising 12 boys and eight girls aged from six to eight, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between November 3 and 10.

Twenty-one other students of a kindergarten in Wan Chai were affected in the second report.

The students, comprising five boys and 16 girls, all aged five, developed similar symptoms of respiratory tract infection, from November 5 to 10.

CHP's investigation revealed that 40 of them consulted general practitioners or out-patient clinics and one attended Accident and Emergency Department of hospital.

None required hospitalisation.

CHP officials have conducted field visits to the schools and provided health advice to the school staff.

To prevent respiratory tract infection, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory tract infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: A case of dengue fever confirmed (11/11/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 11) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 54-year-old man. He developed fever, headache and muscle pain on October 26. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital on October 30 and was discharged on November 3.

The CHP's initial investigations revealed that he had travelled alone to Vietnam between October 9 and 23.

A total of 39 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. Fifty-eight cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: A confirmed case of dengue fever (11/12/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 12) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 23-year-old woman living in Sai Kung. She developed fever, chills and headache on November 5 when she was in India. She sought medical attention upon arrival in Hong Kong on November 6 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on November 9. She is now in stable condition.

CHP's initial investigations revealed that she travelled alone to India between October 8 and November 5.

A total of 40 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. Fifty-eight cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: CHP advises a kindergarten to suspend classes (11/12/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 12) advised a kindergarten with an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection to suspend classes for one week to enhance infection control measures.


The school concerned is St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Kindergarten in Wan Chai.

A total of 34 children aged from four to five developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, sore throat and cough, between November 3 and 11.

Five of them were hospitalised for further management.

They are in stable condition and one of them has been discharged.

Laboratory tests on nasal pharyngeal aspirates samples of two hospitalised children showed positive results for Adenovirus.

A CHP spokesman said that the kindergarten was advised to suspend classes for a week until November 19 for thorough disinfection in order to prevent further spreading of the disease in the school.

He said, ''The school management has stepped up cleaning and infection control measures according to CHP's advice following its visit.

"The CHP will closely monitor the situation. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene."

The CHP spokesman added, "Adenovirus is a group of viruses that commonly cause viral infection in children. The symptoms may vary from respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat, to gastroenteritis illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea. There may be associated conjunctivitis.

"Adenovirus infection is usually transmitted by direct contact or faecal-oral transmission. It can occur throughout the year," he said.

The spokesman said while most infections were mild and required no therapy or only symptomatic treatment, strict attention to good hygiene practices was effective for preventing adenovirus-associated disease.

For more information on Adenovirus infection, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (11/12/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (November 12) that the case involved an 11-month-old boy who developed fever, running nose, cough and rash over his hands and feet on October 21. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 1 and is now in stable condition.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had stayed on the Mainland recently. His 18-month-old cousin living on the Mainland had oral ulcers but his family members living in Hong Kong are asymptomatic.

A total of 94 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Castle Peak Hospital Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases updated (11/13/2008) [CHP]

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Regarding some patients in a female long stay ward of Castle Peak Hospital who had presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, the hospital spokesman announced the following update today (November 13).


One more female patient (aged 43) of the concerned ward has presented with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.

The patient is being treated under isolation and her condition is stable.

Appropriate tests have been arranged.

So far, seven patients have presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and the test results of five patients were positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

In addition, two staff members who had reported respiratory tract infection symptoms in the concerned ward have returned to work.

Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up.

Admission and visits to the ward as well as discharges from the related cubicle have been suspended while all patients are under close medical surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: An imported case of leptospirosis under investigation (11/14/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an imported case of leptospirosis (an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in the waste of infected animals) involving a 50-year-old man.


A CHP spokesman said the patient developed fever, headache, retro-orbital pain and joint pain on October 15. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on October 19 and discharged on October 27. Laboratory tests on his blood sample today yielded positive results for leptospirosis.

Investigations revealed that he had travelled to Malaysia with his friends from September 15 to September 30.

The travel companions did not show any symptom of leptospirosis.

This is the fourth leptospirosis case reported to the CHP this year. There were seven, three and 10 cases of leptospirosis reported to the CHP in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

The spokesman said leptospirosis was a zoonotic (animal) disease caused by the bacteria, leptospira, which could be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs. Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.

The disease is normally not transmissible among human, and the incubation period is usually between five to 14 days. The spokesman said people infected with leptospirosis commonly presented with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pains, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases, the disease can cause anemia (a kind of blood disease) and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs.

The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

"Overseas outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually related to occupational or recreational water exposures, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals," the spokesman said. He said that the risk of infection could be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with urine of live mammals and objects contaminated by them as well as polluted water.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Public urged to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (11/17/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 17) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) following an outbreak of the disease in a primary school in Kwun Tong involving 23 students.


The affected children, aged between six and nine, developed fever, mouth ulcers, and vesiclar rash over hands or feet starting from October 28.

They came from nine different classes, each having one to six children affected.

All of them consulted private doctors or sought treatment at general out-patient clinics.

They have recovered or are in stable condition.

None required hospitalisation.

Laboratory test results on the stool samples collected from the affected children are pending.

A CHP spokesman said CHP had paid site visits to the school and provided health advice to the management. He said HFMD was a viral infection.It is mainly transmitted by the faecal-oral route. Direct contact with open and weeping skin vesicles may also spread the virus.

"In most cases, the fever, rash and ulcers subside spontaneously in one week and full recovery is usual. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, this illness may be associated with viral meningitis.

"Parents are, therefore, advised to seek prompt medical attention if their children develop a high fever, decrease in alertness or deterioration of general condition," the spokesman said.

To prevent HFMD, people, including management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good air circulation.
* Wash hands before meals and after going to toilet, handling diapers or other stool soiled materials.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.

For more advice on prevention of HFMD, people may visit CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the department's Central Health Education Unit Hotline 2833 0111.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (11/18/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (November 18) that the case involved a 2-year-old boy who lived on the Mainland.

He developed rash on his hands on November 11 and sought medical treatment at a hospital in Shenzhen.

He came to Hong Kong on November 15 and was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital the same day. He is in stable condition.

Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

A total of 95 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Public urged to be vigilant against viral gastroenteritis (11/21/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 21) reminded the public and management of institutions and hospitals to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent viral gastroenteritis, especially those caused by norovirus infection.


The spokesman said the consultation rates for acute diarrhoeal diseases at general practitioner and general out-patient clinics under the sentinel surveillance system had remained at the baseline level in the past few weeks.

However, with the approach of winter, the peak season for viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, personal, food and environmental hygiene were of paramount importance in preventing norovirus infection.

"The CHP has sent letters to institutions including elderly homes, schools and hospitals to remind the management to be on the lookout for symptoms of viral gastroenteritis among residents, students and patients, and report any suspected outbreaks to the CHP," he said.

Viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus is usually self-limiting, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low-grade fever and malaise.

The symptoms usually last for 12 to 60 hours.

The infection can spread through the consumption of contaminated food, direct contact with the vomitus or excreta of infected persons or aerosol of contaminated droplets of splashed vomitus.

To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should observe the following precautionary measures:
*Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomit or faecal matter;
*Wear gloves when disposing of vomit and faeces and wash hands afterwards;
*Clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted in a ratio of one part bleach to 49 parts of water;
*Maintain good indoor ventilation;
*Make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

For more information, members of the public can visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Two EV71 cases confirmed (11/22/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two confirmed cases of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (November 21) that the first case involved a 10-year-old boy who developed Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms, including fever, vesicles on his palms and soles and oral ulcers on November 1. He sought medical treatment from a doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He has recovered and his symptoms have subsided. His stool specimen taken earlier this week yielded positive results for EV71.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history. Other family members are asymptomatic.

Eight other children in the residential institution he attended developed similar HFMD symptoms between October 19 and November 5.

One of them, a three-year-old boy, was confirmed to have been infected with EV71 earlier (the press release was issued on November 5). There was no new case of HFMD after November 5.

The second case involved a seven-year-old boy who developed fever and vesicular rash over his hands and knees on November 6. He consulted a private doctor the next day and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 9. He was discharged on November 13. The CHP's investigation revealed that he had no travel history and his home contacts are asymptomatic.

A total of 97 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Public urged to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (11/24/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 24) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) following an outbreak of the disease in a primary school in Kwun Tong involving 20 students.


The affected children, aged between six and 11 years, came from 10 different classes.

They developed fever, mouth ulcers and vesicular rash over hands or feet starting from October 25.

Eighteen of them consulted private doctors or sought treatment at general out-patient clinics while one attended the Accident & Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital. They are in stable condition.

Another child was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital and has been discharged.

Laboratory test of her stool samples was positive for group A Coxsackie virus.

A CHP spokesman said CHP staff had paid site visits to the school and provided health advice to the management.

He said Coxsackie virus was one of the most common agents causing HFMD.

It is mainly transmitted by the faecal-oral route.

Direct contact with open and weeping skin vesicles may also spread the virus.

"In most cases, the fever, rash and ulcers subside spontaneously in one week and full recovery is usual. Complications are uncommon. Rarely, this illness may be associated with viral meningitis. "Parents are, therefore, advised to seek prompt medical attention if their children develop a high fever, decrease in alertness or deterioration of general condition," the spokesman said.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public, including management of institutions, should adopt the following measures:
* Maintain good air circulation.
* Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet, handling diapers or other stool soiled materials.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
* Clean children's toys and other objects thoroughly and frequently with 1:99 diluted household bleach, followed by rinsing/wiping with clean water.
* Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.
* Avoid going to overcrowded places.

For more advice on the prevention of HFMD, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Department's Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (11/26/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (November 26) that the case involved a 4-year-old boy who developed fever and oral ulcers on November 18. He sought medical treatment from a doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He is now in stable condition. His stool specimen was tested positive for EV71.

Four other children in the nursery the boy attended had developed Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms since November 14. All of them sought medical treatment from private doctors. No hospitalisation was needed.

There was no new case of HFMD after November 24.

A total of 98 EV71 infection cases have been reported to CHP so far this year. There were 35, eight, 16 and 12 cases in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

For more information, the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: An imported case of leptospirosis under investigation (11/28/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an imported case of leptospirosis (an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in the waste of infected animals) involving a 38-year-old man.


A CHP spokesman said the patient developed fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, diarrhea and vomiting on October 22. He attended Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day. His symptoms persisted and he was admitted to North District Hospital on October 28. He was discharged on November 8.

Laboratory tests on his blood sample yielded positive results for leptospirosis.

Investigations revealed that he had travelled to Malaysia with his friends from October 3 to 9. The travel companions did not show any symptom of leptospirosis.

This is the fifth leptospirosis case reported to the CHP this year. There were seven, three and 10 cases of leptospirosis reported to the CHP in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

The spokesman said leptospirosis was a zoonotic (animal) disease caused by the bacteria, leptospira, which could be found in some animals including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs. Most human infections occur through contact with urine excreted by infected mammals primarily through skin abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes, and occasionally through ingestion or inhalation.

The disease is normally not transmissible among human, and the incubation period is usually between five to 14 days.

The spokesman said people infected with leptospirosis commonly presented with a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pains, red eye, sore throat and rash. In some cases, the disease can cause anemia (a kind of blood disease) and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs.

The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

''Overseas outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually related to occupational or recreational water exposures, such as water contaminated with urine of infected animals," the spokesman said. He said that the risk of infection could be minimised by covering open wounds properly and avoiding contact with urine of live mammals and objects contaminated by them as well as polluted water.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Case of necrotising fasciitis confirmed (12/2/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 52-year-old man today (December 2).


The man, living in Tsing Yi, had a painful reddish swelling on the left index finger on November 24 after being cut by broken glass at work. He consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital the same day.

He was later admitted for further management on November 28 and is now in stable condition. His wound swab grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to sea water or salty water;
- Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish;

Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain and swelling are noted.
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View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (12/2/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 2) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 22-year-old woman who developed fever, eye pain and headache on November 23. She was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on November 27 and was discharged yesterday (December 1). CHP's initial investigation revealed that she had travelled to Vietnam between November 11 and 17. Her travel collaterals were asymptomatic.

A total of 41 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. 58 cases were reported in 2007 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
-

View Original Article
 
Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: CHP warns of peak season for chickenpox (12/4/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 4) reminded people and the managements of schools to be vigilant against chickenpox.


A spokesman for CHP said that although cases of chickenpox in the past few weeks remained low compared with the corresponding periods in past years, people should maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection as winter was the traditional peak season for the disease.

''There were more than 800 cases reported in November, which was significantly higher than the monthly figure of around 300 to 600 cases recorded in the past few months,'' he said.

The CHP recorded 7,962 cases of chickenpox from January to November.

In 2006 and 2007, a total of 14,415 and 17,940 cases were reported respectively.

The spokesman said chickenpox occurred throughout the year with peaks from November to February.

"As Hong Kong has entered the peak season of chickenpox, people should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. They should keep their hands clean and wash them properly," he said.

CHP has sent letters to pre-primary institutions and primary and secondary schools to remind them of the preventive measures for chickenpox.

The spokesman pointed out that chickenpox vaccine was available in Hong Kong and about 90% of people vaccinated with the vaccine would acquire immunity.

Parents could approach their family doctors for further advice, he said.

More information about chickenpox can be obtained at CHP's homepage, www.chp.gov.hk.
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Re: Hong Kong, PRC SAR: Epi-Surveillance (September 2008, Govt Press Releases)

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (12/5/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 5) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 20-year-old man who developed fever and headache on November 22. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on December 3 and was discharged today. CHP's initial investigation revealed that he had travelled to Vietnam between November 11 and 17. One of his travel collaterals was also confirmed to have dengue fever earlier on.

(Press release was issued on December 2).

A total of 42 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. Fifty-eight cases were reported in 2007 and all were classified as imported cases.

A spokesman for CHP urged the public to stay alert to the threat of dengue fever and to help prevent mosquito breeding by taking the following measures:
* Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;
* Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;
* Tightly cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks, and
* Keep all drains free from blockage.

Travellers should take the following preventive measures:
* Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body, and
* Use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

The latest information on dengue fever in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
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