Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January to March 2009)

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Public urged to prevent Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (3/12/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 12) 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 kindergarten in Tai Po involving 20 students.


The affected children, aged between 2 and 5 years, came from four different classes.

They developed fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands or feet starting from February 22. They sought medical consultation. No hospitalisation was required.

All children are in stable condition.

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

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.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: An EV71 case confirmed (3/17/2009) [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 (March 17) that the case involved a 10-year-old girl who developed Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease (HFMD) symptoms, including oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet, on March 9. She sought medical treatment and did not require hospitalisation. She is in stable condition. Her stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

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

Her two-year-old brother and 11-year-old sister also developed HFMD symptoms. Her brother was confirmed to have been infected with EV71 on March 10. There was no HFMD outbreak in the primary school that the girl attended, the spokesman said.

This is the fourth EV71 case reported to the CHP this year.

There were 16, 12 and 98 cases in 2006, 2007 and 2008 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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Imported case of Chikungunya fever confirmed (3/17/200) [DH]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 17) urged members of the public to be on guard against mosquito-borne diseases when travelling overseas following confirmation of an imported case of Chikungunya fever.


The patient, a 59-year-old woman, presented with fever, chills, bone and joint pain on January 31 while she was travelling in Southeast Asia. She returned to Hong Kong on February 2 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on February 3. She was discharged the next day but was readmitted to YCH on February 6 after developing rash over her body. She was discharged on February 9 after symptoms subsided.

Laboratory test results confirmed that she was infected by the Chikungunya virus.

The CHP's investigation showed that she had travelled to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand between January 23 and February 2. Her 10 travel companions did not have any symptoms. He said epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia and Indian Ocean Islands.

"The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. The disease is characterised by fever, headache, and joint pain of the wrist, knee, ankle, and small joints.

"Some patients may develop a rash affecting the trunk and limbs. The illness is usually self-limiting (will go away without treatment) and lasts for three to 10 days, although the joint pain may last for weeks to months. The incubation period is one to 12 days," he said.

There is no vaccine for Chikungunya fever.

The public is reminded to stay alert to mosquito-borne diseases.

Travellers should adopt the following measures to avoid mosquito bites when travelling overseas:
* Avoid visiting mosquito-infested areas;
* Avoid visiting forests or areas with monkeys;
* Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers light in colour for protection against mosquitoes;
* Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body;
* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned;
* Travellers returning from countries where Chikungunya fever is endemic and suffering from symptoms of the disease should seek prompt medical advice.

The latest information on infectious diseases in other places can be found under "Outbreak News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (3/18/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 18) confirmed a case of Legionnaires' Disease (LD) involving a 40-year-old man.


The man, living in Yuen Long, developed fever, cough and shortness of breath on March 1. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on the same day and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for further treatment on March 16.

He is now in serious condition.

The CHP's investigations revealed that he had no recent travel history.

This is the fifth Legionnaire's Disease case reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:
* Susceptibility to the disease may be reduced 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;
- Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses;
- 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 (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.

Information on LD and advice on preventive measures can also be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Confirmed case of dengue fever (3/19/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 19) urged people to guard against dengue fever following the laboratory confirmation of a case.


The case involved a 59-year-old man who developed fever and headache on March 5 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospitalon March 9. He was discharged from hospital on March 17. CHP's investigation revealed that the man went to Indonesia during the incubation period.His travel companion and home contacts are asymptomatic.

CHP will continue to follow up the case.

This is the fourth case of dengue fever reported to CHP this year. A total of 42 cases of dengue fever were reported in 2008.

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 "Travel Health News" on the Hong Kong Travel Health Service website at http://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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (3/20/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a three-year-old girl, the fifth case this year, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease. ​

A CHP spokesman said today (March 20) that the girl had presented with fever, cough, runny nose, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet since March 13. She was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon on March 16 and discharged on March 19. Her stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

''Family and school contacts of the girl had no symptoms of the disease. The spokesman said the CHP had advised the school to do a thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

"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," he said.

There were 16, 12 and 98 cases of EV71 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: A case of human myiasis confirmed (3/24/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (March 24) a human case of myiasis involving a 83-year-old man and urged members of the public to take measures to guard against the disease caused by maggots of flies.


The patient, living in an elderly home in Yuen Long, had multiple medical problems. He had fever and gum bleeding, and was found to have maggots in his oral cavity on March 21. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on the same day and was diagnosed to have pneumonia. He was put on intravenous antibiotics on admission and finally passed away the next day.

CHP's investigations revealed that he had no recent travel history.

This is the second case of human myiasis in 2009. Nine cases were reported in 2008, 14 cases in 2007 and 15 cases in 2006.

Human myiasis cases are caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest with larvae the superficial wounds and body orifices, such as mouth, ear and nose, of debilitated persons. The larvae feed on the host's dead or living tissue, and may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of function, injury to the skin, secondary invasion and death.

People, especially staff of elderly homes, are advised to take note of the following measures:
* All wounds should be treated immediately. Wound fluids and blood are known to be attractive to some species of flies. To avoid myiasis infestation, wounds should be cleaned and dressed properly;
* Fly infestation can be avoided by proofing measures, including installation of fly screening materials to human dwelling places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation;
* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Staff of elderly homes should ensure good environmental hygiene, be alert to inmates developing symptoms of the disease and arrange for inmates feeling unwell to seek medical consultation promptly.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: A case of human myiasis confirmed (3/25/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed today (March 25) a human case of myiasis involving a 75-year-old woman and urged people to take measures to guard against the disease caused by fly maggots.


The patient, living in Sheung Shui, has had a scalp wound for one year. She noticed an increase in bloody discharge from the wound on March 21, was admitted to North District Hospital yesterday and was found to have maggots in the wound. She is now in stable condition.

CHP's investigations revealed that she had no recent travel history.

This is the third case of human myiasis in 2009. Nine cases were reported in 2008, 14 cases in 2007 and 15 in 2006.

Human myiasis cases are caused by parasitic maggots of flies which infest with larvae the superficial wounds and body orifices, such as mouth, ear and nose, of debilitated persons.

The larvae feed on the host's dead or living tissue, and may cause serious tissue damage, resulting in loss of function, injury to the skin, secondary invasion and death.

People, especially staff of elderly homes, are advised to take note of the following measures:
* All wounds should be treated immediately. Wound fluids and blood are known to be attractive to some species of flies.

To avoid myiasis infestation, wounds should be cleaned and dressed properly;
* Fly infestation can be avoided by proofing measures, including installation of fly screening materials to human dwelling places, dressing of wounds and maintaining good ventilation;
* Observe good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Staff of elderly homes should ensure good environmental hygiene, be alert to inmates developing symptoms of the disease and arrange for inmates feeling unwell to seek medical consultation promptly.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: SFH to visit Beijing (3/25/2009) [SFH]

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, today (March 25) left for Beijing to meet senior officials of the Ministry of Health, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the Ministry of Agriculture and to discuss with them issues of common interest.


Accompanying Dr Chow on the visit will be the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan; and Controller of Centre for Food Safety, Dr Constance Chan. Dr Chow will return to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon (March 27).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: EV71 case confirmed (3/26/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 26) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 5-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said that the boy had presented with fever, oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet on March 22. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He is in stable condition. His stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

The boy's family contacts had no symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

Five other children of the kindergarten the boy attended also developed HFMD symptoms.

CHP had advised the school to conduct thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

This is the sixth case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Case of EV71 confirmed (3/27/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 27) investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a 2-year-old boy and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said the boy had presented on March 25 with oral ulcers, rash over hands and feet, fever, cough and also a runny nose. He sought medical treatment from a private doctor and did not require hospitalisation. He is in stable condition. His stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

The boy's family contacts had no symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

Nine other children of the nursery the boy attended also developed HFMD symptoms.

CHP had advised the institution to conduct thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

This is the seventh case reported to the CHP this year. There were 16 cases of EV71 in 2006, 12 in 2007 and 98 in 2008.

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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: A case of EV71 confirmed (3/28/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Enterovirus-71 (EV71) infection involving a five-year-old boy, the eighth case this year, and urged the public to be vigilant against the disease.


A CHP spokesman said today (March 28) that the boy had presented with oral ulcers and rash over hands and feet since March 12. He sought medical treatment from private doctor and did not require hospitalisation. His condition is stable. The boy's stool specimen tested positive for EV71.

Family contacts of the boy had no symptoms of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD).

Earlier on, another five-year-old boy in the kindergarten the boy attended was also confirmed to have EV71 infection. Four other children of the same school had also developed HFMD symptoms. All of them sought medical treatment and are in stable condition.

The spokesman said the CHP had advised the school to do a thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of the disease.

"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," he said.

There were 16, 12 and 98 cases of EV71 in 2006, 2007 and 2008 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): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January to March 2009)

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