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The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, today (June 17) shared Hong Kong's experience in tackling Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at the first global conference on the disease in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Addressing the plenary session of the World Health Organisation's Global Conference on SARS, Dr Yeoh gave an overview of what was currently known about the clinical behaviour of SARS by local clinicians and medical experts.
He explained in particular the significance of environmental sources of infection as experienced during the outbreak at Amoy Gardens.
Dr Yeoh then went into great details to explain Hong Kong's strategy in controlling the epidemic. He shared with participants the four strategies that were taken in terms of early detection, swift contact tracing, early isolation and quarantine, and effective containment.
In particular, he noted the enhanced computer surveillance system- Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System (MIIDSS) - which had helped swift contact tracing of suspected and confirmed cases, and the setting up of a multi-disciplinary response team comprising various government departments in carrying out prompt investigation and remedial actions.
Noting elderly persons with long-term illness had a higher incidence of death associated with SARS and that some of them did not present the symptom of fever, Dr Yeoh pointed out all elderly discharged patients had to be isolated for 10 more days in order to reduce the risk of spread.
Apart from this strict discharge policy, the Government had also issued written guidelines on infection control for elderly homes. Appropriate training was also provided to carers and inspections were stepped up to ensure compliance with the guidelines and precautionary measures, he added.
"With our control measures, we are much more confident because we are more knowledgeable about the virus and how it is spread," Dr Yeoh said.
But Dr Yeoh assured the international experts that there was a need to continue to maintain high vigilance.
He said the Hong Kong Government would continue its publicity to keep up public awareness on the need for environmental and personal hygiene.
He added that there was a further need to apply lessons learnt to better prepare for future outbreaks.
Noting the allocation of some $1.7 billion since the outbreak for strengthening public health work and medical research, Dr Yeoh said the Government was committed to protect Hong Kong's public health.
Lastly, Dr Yeoh said effective control of infectious diseases such as an international issue as SARS required strong international collaborative partnership and cross-border co-operation.
The two-day global conference was held by WHO to gather expert views about the effectiveness of the response to date and the likely evolution of SARS in both the near future and longer term.
It was attended by more than 1,000 scientists and clinicians, including specialists who had been at the frontline of SARS investigation and response since the outbreak began.
End/Tuesday, June 17, 2003
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