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Even though Hong Kong is at present free from avian flu and SARS, the Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the outbreaks of the diseases in the region to ensure that health measures here are adequate to safeguard the general public.
This remark was made by DH's Consultant (Community Medicine), Dr Thomas Tsang when he reviewed the recent infectious disease situation in Hong Kong today (February 2).
Dr Tsang said that influenza A (H5) was made a statutorily notifiable disease last week and that free influenza vaccination is available for live poultry workers for personal protection. He added that DH had been communicating with the Guangdong health authorities to alert Hong Kong should there be human cases of H5N1 infection.
Meanwhile, DH also provided guidance to schools, child care centres and elderly homes regarding the prevention of avian flu.
"A new Announcement of Public Interest is in the pipeline and a bulletin on the disease will be distributed to all doctors shortly," Dr Tsang said.
As regards influenza, Dr Tsang said there were two influenza outbreaks in institutions so far this year. The general trend of influenza remained stable. Both Panama-like and Fujian-like influenza strains have been isolated recently.
As the peak season for influenza in Hong Kong is expected to arrive in February and March, Dr Tsang called on the public to take every measure to prevent infection.
He pointed out that there was no marked increase in the number of pneumonia cases with recent travel history to Guangdong reported to DH after the Chinese New Year. The average number of cases was 10 per day.
Since the medical sector was required to notify DH of pneumonia cases involving patients who had travel history to Guangdong Province during 10 days before disease onset, a total of 249 reports were received in January.
"None of these cases were tested positive for SARS," Dr Tsang said.
However, Dr Tsang noted that the public should remain vigilant as food-related infectious diseases including amoebic dysentery and ciguatera food poisoning cases were prevalent in recent weeks.
"Nine cases of amoebic dysentery were brought to DH's attention last December. The figure for January 2004 was six.
"All cases were treated and recovered and none of which was linked to a common food premises or food vehicle," Dr Tsang said.
Amoebic dysentery spreads by fecal-oral route via contaminated food. It can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever, and sometimes affect the liver and other internal organs.
As regards ciguatera food poisoning, Dr Tsang said a total of seven outbreaks affecting 42 persons were reported last month. They were either in stable condition or have recovered.
Dr Tsang said that ciguatera toxins are found in large coral reef fish. The viscera, especially liver and gonads are more toxic than the flesh.
Investigations revealed that of the 42 persons affected last month, 31 had consumed coral groupers weighing over two catties. The number of people affected in 2002 and 2003 were 60 and 25 respectively.
To prevent infectious diseases, in particular respiratory infection and foodborne diseases, Dr Tsang urged members of the public to strictly observe personal and food hygiene.
Members of the public should wash hands frequently, cover their noses and mouths with tissue paper when coughing and sneezing, and refrain from going to work or school and wear a facemask if they experience respiratory symptoms. They are also advised to avoid touching live poultry and their droppings.
"Also, they should wash vegetables and fruits adequately, cook food and vegetables thoroughly, and do not patronize illegal hawkers. Avoid eating big coral reef fish, especially its viscera such as liver and gonads as they may contain high levels of ciguatoxin" he added.
Ends/Monday, February 2, 2004
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