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

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Cholera case confirmed [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 13) said laboratory tests on stool specimens taken from a six-year-old boy who was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital last week for suspected cholera have yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa.


This is the fifth cholera case reported to the CHP this year.

The boy is now in stable condition.

There were three cases in 2007, one in 2006, five in 2005, five in 2004 and seven in 2003.

The spokesman reminded members of the public, whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection.

For information on preventive measures against cholera, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/).
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A confirmed case of dengue fever (10/14/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 14) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 14-year-old girl who arrived in Hong Kong on October 12. She developed fever, headache and muscle pain on October 5 when she was in Shanghai and had sought medical treatment there. She was admitted to a private hospital upon arrival in Hong Kong and is now in stable condition.

CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Thailand between September 26 and October 5. Then she went to Shanghai. Her home contacts and travel collaterals were asymptomatic.

A total of 35 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (10/15/2008) [CHP]

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


A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 15) the case was a 16-month-old boy who lives in Shenzhen and developed fever, poor appetite, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 8.

He came to Hong Kong on October 10 for medical consultation and was admitted to the Tuen Mun Hospital. He was discharged on October 13. Laboratory results of his stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

CHP's investigation revealed that his home contacts are asymptomatic.

A total of 84 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, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (10/16/2008) [CHP]

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


A spokesman for the CHP said today (October 16) the case involved an 11-year-old girl, who developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on October 6. She consulted private doctors and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 9. She was discharged on October 14. Laboratory results of her specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

CHP's investigation revealed that she had no recent travel history and her home contacts are asymptomatic.

The primary school she attends has no Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease outbreak.

A total of 85 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, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Public reminded to guard against meningococcal infection (10/16/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 16) received a confirmed case of meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with infected persons' droplets.


The case involved a 48-year-old male tourist arriving in Hong Kong on October 12. He developed headache, muscle pain and cough on the same day and consulted a private doctor on October 14. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October 15 and is now in critical condition. Laboratory test results available today confirmed the patient has meningococcal meningitis.

This is the first confirmed case of meningococcal infection this year. Four cases were reported in 2005, six in 2006 and two in 2007.

A spokesman for the CHP said that meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is transmitted by direct contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, commonly three to four days.

The clinical picture may be variable. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (causing meningococcaemia) or the brain (causing meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck.

Early cases can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Members of the public are advised to:
* Wash hands frequently, and observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Avoid crowded places;
* Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache; and
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with tissue, discard it into a bin with a lid and wash hands immediately.

The public can visit the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk, for general information about the disease.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP monitoring hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks (10/17/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 17) called on members of the public to take preventive measures against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as there was a recent increase in the number of outbreaks occurring in child care centre, kindergartens and schools.


A CHP spokesman said a total of eight hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks affecting 33 people in these institutions had been reported to the CHP so far this month.

This showed an increase compared with the number of outbreaks during the non peak season when two to seven reports were received by the CHP on a monthly basis, the spokesman said.

Noting that HFMD occurred throughout the year with the usual seasonal peak from May to July, the spokesman said an increase from October to December was also noted in the past two years.

"Although there has been no obvious increase in HFMD activity in the CHP's surveillance systems including the sentinel surveillance system among general practitioners, general out-patient clinics and child care centres, we will closely monitor the situation," the spokesman said.

HFMD is a common childhood infectious disease.

The main symptoms are fever, sore throat, skin rash over hands and feet, and blisters in the mouth, and on the tongue and palate.

The disease is mainly transmitted by the faecal-oral route.

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

In most cases, the fever, rash and ulcers subside in a week and full recovery is usual.

Complications are uncommon.

To prevent HFMD, members of the public should observe the following measures:
*Maintain good circulation;
*Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet and changing nappies;
*Never share personal items such as towels and eating utensils;
*Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, furniture and toilets regularly with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 99 parts water);
*Disinfect toys/places that are contaminated by secretions or excreta with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 49 parts water);
*Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease;
*Children suffering from hand, foot and mouth disease should stay at home and avoid contact with other children until the illness has passed.

For more advice on the prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (10/20/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 20) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 53-year-old man living in Central and Western District.

He developed fever, headache, muscle pain and skin rash on October 10 and consulted a private doctor on October 15.

No hospitalisation was required.

CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to India between September 27 and October 12. His travel companion did not have symptom of dengue fever.

A total of 36 cases of dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. In 2007 there were 58 cases reported and all were classified as imported.

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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (10/21/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 21) confirmed a case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A spokesman for the CHP said the case affected an 8-year-old boy, who developed fever, headache and rash over his hands and feet on October 15.

He was admitted to United Christian Hospital two days later and is now in stable condition.

Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

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

The primary school he attended did not have any report of outbreak of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

His three-year-old brother also had symptoms of HFMD earlier but was recovered.

A total of 86 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Vigilance against viral hepatitis A infection urged (10/23/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of hepatitis A infection involving a 10-year-old boy.

The boy started to develop diarrhea on October 1, and later symptoms of viral hepatitis including jaundice and dark colour urine on October 7. He sought treatment at Aberdeen Out-patient Clinic Clinic on October 14. He did not require hospitalization and his current condition is stable.

Laboratory tests on his blood subsequently revealed positive result to hepatitis A infection.

The boy had no recent history of travel outside Hong Kong and his family members had no symptoms.

CHP's investigation revealed that an imported case of Hepatitis A affecting an eight-year-old girl was reported on October 8 at the primary school the boy attending. The girl visited Pakistan from July 11 to August 27. She started to develop symptoms of Hepatitis A on September 29. No hospitalization is required. Her condition is stable.

Based on epidemiological findings, including the onset dates and the exposure history, the boy did not contract hepatitis A infection from the girl in the school.

''An alternative source of infection outside the school is being investigated for the boy's case,'' a CHP spokesman said.

CHP has visited the school and gave health talk to the management.

Fact sheets on hepatitis were delivered to parents via the school.

CHP is closely monitoring the situation.

The spokesman said hepatitis A was one form of viral hepatitis and was transmitted by faecal-oral route through contaminated food, drinks and shellfish or directly from person-to-person.

"The incubation period of the disease is usually around four weeks but may range from 15 days to 50 days.
"Affected persons of Hepatitis A may be asymptomatic. Those who have symptoms may have poor appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, upper abdominal discomfort, jaundice and tea-coloured urine.
"The illness lasts a few weeks but may sometimes last months. Most patients have a complete recovery but in a few cases, the damage on the liver may be prolonged. Immunity is usually life-long and there is no chronic carrier state," the spokesman said.

To prevent Hepatitis A, members of the public should
*observe good personal hygiene and food hygiene;
*wash hands before preparing food, before meals and after going to toilet;
*avoid drinking contaminated water or beverage with ice of doubtful origin, eating uncooked or undercooked food, particularly shellfish, and eating cut or peeled fruits;
*Hepatitis A vaccine should be considered for travelers visiting high risk areas;
*people looking after patients with viral hepatitis should wear gowns if soiling is likely and they should used gloves when handling contaminated materials.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (10/26/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 26) is investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving a 42-year-old man.


The man, living in Kwai Ching District, developed fever and cough on October 15. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 22 and is now in stable condition. CHP's investigations revealed that he did not have travel history during the incubation period.

This is the 13rd Legionnaire's Disease case reported this year. 11 cases were reported in 2007, 16 in 2006 and 11 in 2005.

To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:
* An individual may reduce their susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
* People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
- Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
- Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
- Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
- Prevent working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses and
- Wash hands carefully afterwards.
* Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems.

For more information about the good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/e_download/pps/code.doc) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2000. Information on LD and advice on preventive measures can also be found in CHP's website. (http://www.chp.gov.hk)
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Cases of Cholera in Hainan under close watch (10/31/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is keeping a close watch on the outbreak of cholera in Hainan Province.


A CHP spokesman said today (October 31) that information so far available revealed that there were 30 reports of cholera, in Hainan Province in the past two weeks.

"We are maintaining close liaison with Ministry of Health in order to obtain more information on the cases.

"Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, members of the public should pay attention to hygiene and take measures to prevent cholera and food-borne infection," the spokesman said.

To avoid infection, members of the public are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.

When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should:
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
* Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
* Do not add ice to drinks and do not drink fresh fruit juice that has been prepared beforehand;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.

For more preventive measures against cholera, members of the public may visit CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk/).
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (11/1/2008) [CHP]

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


A CHP spokesman said today (November 1) that the case affected a 4-year-old girl living in Tuen Mun.

The girl developed oral ulcers as well as rashes and vesicles over hands and feet on October 28.

Her parents took her to a private doctor for treatment on October 29.

She is now in stable condition and no hospitalization is required.

Laboratory results of her stool specimens yielded positive results for EV71.

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

The kindergarten she attended did not have any report of outbreak of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

The family members of the girls had no HFMD symptoms.

A total of 87 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (11/4/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 4) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 63-year-old tourist who arrived at Hong Kong on October 24 and subsequently developed fever on October 26.

He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on October 29 and was discharged on Sunday (November 2).

CHP's investigations revealed that he had travelled to Thailand between October 18 and 24.

His travel companions did not have symptoms of dengue fever.

A total of 37 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.

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

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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (11/4/2008) [CHP]

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


A CHP spokesman said today (November 4) that the case affected a 4-year-old boy living in Yuen Long.

The boy developed fever on October 28. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 29 and was discharged on November 3.

Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71 today.

CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history and his brother has hand, foot mouth disease symptoms. Investigation is on-going.

Five other children, comprising four boys and a girl aged from four to five of the day centre the boy attended, had similar HFMD symptoms between October 28 and November 3.

they did not require hospitalisation.

The CHP has provided health advice to the school and is closely monitoring the situation.

A total of 88 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (11/5/2008) [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 5) that the case affected a 3-year-old boy living in Tuen Mun.

The boy developed fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting and rash over hands and buttock on October 26.

He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 29 and was discharged on November 3.

Laboratory results of his specimens yielded positive results for EV71 today.

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

Eight other boys aged from three to 11 of the residential institution the boy had attended, developed similar HFMD symptoms between October 19 and November 15. They did not require hospitalization.

The CHP has provided health advice to the institution and is closely monitoring the situation.

A total of 89 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Public urged to be vigilant against vector-borne diseases (11/5/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 5) called on the public to be vigilant against typhus and other rickettsial diseases.


The appeal was made following an increase in the number of cases of spotted fever and scrub typhus this year as compared with the figures of the past two years, a CHP spokesman said.

"The CHP has recorded 18 cases of spotted fever so far this year, as compared with 12 cases reported in 2005, eight in 2006 and 13 in 2007."

"A total of 20 scrub typhus cases have been reported to CHP so far this year while the figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 30, 20 and 15 respectively," the spokesman said.

Spotted fever is transmitted by ticks, a vector which is usually found in scrubby areas or on rodents and stray animals that have been to scrubby areas. Scrub typhus is transmitted by trombiculid mites which is another vector found in vegetated areas or on rodents.

"Most patients had history of outdoor activities in vegetated areas, for example, hiking in rural areas," he said.

The clinical presentation of spotted fever and scrub typhus are similar and patients may develop fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and body rash. Both diseases are characterised by a primary punched out skin ulcer corresponding to the bite site of the arthropod. Lymph nodes near the skin ulcer may be swollen and painful. In extreme cases, the diseases may cause severe complications and can be fatal.

The average incubation period of the two diseases is one to two weeks.

People who suspect they have spotted fever or scrub typhus should consult doctors.

Antibiotics are effective treatment.

Typhus and other rickettsial diseases are statutory notifiable diseases in Hong Kong.

To prevent infection of typhus and other rickettsial diseases, people are advised to:
* Avoid sitting or lying on scrubby areas;
* Apply insect repellent on body as well as clothing and wear light coloured long sleeved clothes and long trousers when going to scrubby areas;
* Avoid hanging clothes on scrubs or trees and brushing the long grass beside the paths;
* Regularly disinfest animals that have been to scrubby areas.

Information on spotted fever and typhus fever can be obtained at CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Tripartite co-operation effective in safeguarding public health (11/6/2008)

Health authorities of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao have established a solid and effective co-operation mechanism in safeguarding public health of the three places, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said today (November 6) at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao held in Hangzhou.


"Throughout the years, co-operation among the three places has extended from the prevention and control of infectious diseases to collaboration on all fronts. We had active discussion on public health issues including our preparedness for influenza pandemic. We will continue to maintain close co-operation and communication among the three places, and work for the greater well-being of our people," he said.

Dr Chow shared with the meeting the work of the Hong Kong side in medical, public health and food safety.

Issues on the medical and health side, included influenza vaccination subsidy scheme introduced this month, elderly healthcare voucher pilot scheme to be launched in January next year, free pneumococcal vaccination for infants, fostering public-private partnership and launching the second stage of public consultation on healthcare reform in the first half of next year.

On food safety, Dr Chow talked about the handling of mainland milk products tainted with melamine.

These included legislating on the safety standard of melamine in food, stepping up sampling tests, submitting legislation to the Legislative Council to empower the Government to make administer orders to prohibit the import and supply of problem food, and direct that food supplied be recalled.

Topics of discussion at the meeting included preparedness against influenza pandemic, Sanlu infant formula incident, the implementation of Co-operation Agreement on Response Mechanism for Public Health Emergencies, and rescue and post-quake reconstruction work in Sichuan.

The Mainland delegation of the Seventh Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao was led by the Vice-Minister of Health, Professor Huang Jiefu; while the Macao Special Administrative Region delegation was headed by the Director of Health Bureau, Dr Lei Chin Ion.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A case of necrotising fasciitis confirmed (11/6/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health istoday (November 6) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 77-year-old man.


The man, living in Wong Tai Sin, developed swelling over the left hand and fever on November 2 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on the same day.

He had been injured on the left hand by a fish while preparing food at home. He is now in the intensive care unit in serious condition.

Tissues and blood in his left hand grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is 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.

Members of the public 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 cleaned and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish;

Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling are found.
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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A confirmed case of dengue fever (11/6/2008) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 6) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the confirmation of a case by laboratory test.


The case involved a 33-year-old woman living in Sai Kung.

She developed fever, headache, rash and diarrhoea on October 30 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on November 3.

She is now in stable condition.

The CHP's investigations revealed that she had travelled to Thailand between October 18 and November 1.

Her travel companions did not have symptoms of dengue fever.

A total of 38 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 the 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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[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Three cases of EV71 confirmed (11/7/2008) [CHP]

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


A CHP spokesman said today (November 7) that the first case involved a two-year-old girl who developed fever, cough, runny nose, rash over hands and knee on October 28. She consulted private doctors and required no hospitalisation.

Her three-year-old brother was confirmed to have been infected with EV71 earlier. (Press release was issued on November 5).

The second case was a four-year-old boy living in Yuen Long. He developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on November 3. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital the next day and is now in stable condition. CHP's investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history.

Five other children, comprising four boys and a girl aged from four to five, of the day centre the boy attended had similar Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms between October 28 and November 3.

Among these five sick children, a four-year-old boy was confirmed to have been infected with EV71 earlier. (Press release was issued on November 4).

The boy's seven-year-old brother was also confirmed to have been infected with EV71 today. He presented with oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on November 1. He sought medical treatment from private doctor and no hospitalisation was required.

There is no outbreak of HFMD in the school he attended.

The CHP has provided health advice to the schools these children attended and is closely monitoring the situation.

A total of 92 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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