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In order to guard against avian influenza, the Government has decided to add Influenza A (H5) to the list of infectious diseases specified in the First Schedule to the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Chapter 141).

The amendments will take immediate effect upon publication in the gazette tomorrow (January 30).

On the amendments, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (January 29) that the new addition to the First Schedule would enable the application of the provisions of the ordinance and its subsidiary legislation as and when appropriate.

"This would enhance the coverage of our infectious diseases surveillance system so that the Government could strengthen surveillance, and facilitate early detection and the implementation of appropriate public health control measures when necessary," the spokesman said.

Under Regulation 4 of the Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Regulations, it requires medical practitioners to notify the Director of Health if they have reason to suspect the existence of any of the infectious diseases specified in the First Schedule to the Ordinance.

"The reporting of infectious diseases is an important element of the surveillance, control and prevention of outbreak of infectious diseases," the spokesman said.

"Medical practitioners are reminded of the requirement to notify Department of Health of any suspected cases of Influenza A (H5)."

With the addition of Influenza A (H5), a total of 29 infectious diseases are included in the First Schedule to the Ordinance.

Ends/Thursday, January 29, 2004

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