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The Acting Deputy Director of Health, Dr Regina Ching, today (January 3) met representatives of medical groups in Hong Kong and briefed them on the developments concerning the suspected SARS case in Guangzhou.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 12 private hospitals, Hong Kong Medical Association, Hospital Authority and Hong Kong Doctors Union.
All parties agreed to continue their close collaboration in the prevention and early diagnosis of SARS. Also, they will maintain tight vigilance and surveillance against the disease.
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said the department continued to maintain close contact with its Guangdong counterparts with a view to obtaining the latest information on this suspected SARS case.
Noting that precautionary measures had been stepped up at all the immigration control points, the spokesman said 7 had been found to have a fever and 44 were reported to be unwell yesterday. Among these people, 3 were referred to hospitals for further examination.
"But none of them was suspected of having contracted SARS, and only one of them was admitted for treatment," the spokesman said.
The DH's SARS hotline 187 2222 has received 86 enquiries from December 27 to 12pm today. The hotline is operated during office hours.
"For safety's sake, recent travellers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," the spokesman said.
The DH has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.
"We have also sent letters to all Chinese medicine practitioners to advise them to be vigilant.
"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
For prevention of respiratory tract infection, the public is advised to adopt the following precautions:
* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation;
*Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;
* Consult a doctor promptly if respiratory symptoms develop;
* Put on a mask if suffering from respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others; and build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
For further information on SARS, please visit the website: http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/eindex.htm.
End/Saturday, January 3, 2004
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