*********************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (January 14) met with representatives of Hong Kong medical groups for the second time this month to brief them on the latest developments in the SARS situation in Guangdong.
The meeting, chaired by the Acting Deputy Director of Health, Dr Regina Ching, was attended by representatives of 12 private hospitals, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Medical Association, the Hong Kong Doctors Union and the Public Estate Doctors' Association.
"The attendees were thanked for their co-operation in maintaining a high degree of vigilance against SARS," a DH spokesman said.
"Appreciation was also extended to them for their support of the surveillance system implemented for early detection of SARS."
Under the surveillance system, public and private hospitals and general practitioners in clinics will pass on information about any pneumonia patients who have travelled to Guangdong Province during the 10 days before the onset of their symptoms to the Department of Health for contact tracing and analysis.
As af today, 125 notifications had been received.
All parties pledged to continue their close collaboration in the prevention and early diagnosis of SARS. They also discussed SARS-related medical services arrangements ahead of the Chinese New Year.
The spokesman said the DH continued to maintain close contact with its Guangdong counterparts to obtain the latest information on the SARS situation. The department has also reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and laboratory personnel in Hong Kong to maintain their vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.
"Although there is no case in Hong Kong yet, we are mindful of the large volume of population flow between Guangdong and Hong Kong, especially with the approach of the Chinese New Year holidays.
"For safety's sake, travellers to Guangdong who have fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection should consult their doctors at once," the spokesman said.
"Even though Hong Kong has been free from SARS since early June, members of the public must remain on guard and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
To help prevent respiratory tract infections, the public should 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 a respiratory tract infection to reduce the chance of infecting others;
* Build up good bodily immunity by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
All visitors to hospitals should wear masks while there and wash their hands before leaving. They should follow the instructions of healthcare staff and observe the hospital's infection prevention guidelines.
For further information on SARS, please visit the website: http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/eindex.htm.
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2004
NNNN
