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In light of the confirmation of H5 avian influenza outbreaks involving three persons in Vietnam, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has stepped up its monitoring and surveillance efforts to prevent avian influenza in Hong Kong.
A CHP spokesman said today (August 13) that the CHP has been maintaining close liaison with the relevant authorities of Vietnam and the World Health Organization (WHO) on the ongoing investigation in Vietnam.
Hong Kong has an intensive surveillance system for human influenza. There have been no H5N1 isolates identified in Hong Kong in 2004.
The three cases came after the reports that new outbreaks have been occurring in poultry populations in Vietnam since July this year. Further testing is underway to determine if the H5 virus is the same H5N1 strain that have caused the outbreaks earlier this year.
"From January to March 2004, WHO recorded 34 laboratory-confirmed human infections, including 23 fatal cases, of influenza A (H5N1) in Vietnam and Thailand. These human cases coincided with the period when there were outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza found in the poultry population."
"The previous cases suggested that the main mode of transmission is from bird-to-man. Man-to-man transmission remains inefficient and rare."
"However, we need to be vigilant in keeping our guard against any mutation or re-assortment of the virus that may have an impact on human health," the spokesman added.
The DH has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals and private doctors in Hong Kong to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.
Health information is being sent to the travel industry. The latest information and health advice on avian influenza for travelers will be updated and available at the website of the Hong Kong Travellers' Health Service: www.info.gov.hk/trhealth/e_HKTHS.htm.
"The public is reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.
The spokesman added that, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have temporarily suspended importation of live birds and poultry meat from Vietnam since January this year when there were reports of avian influenza. The suspension is still effective.
Importation of live birds and poultry meat from a number of places with reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza has also been suspended.
"A territory-wide H5 vaccination and surveillance programme has also been implemented since June 2003 in all local chicken farms as a precautionary measure to prevent the recurrence of an outbreak of avian influenza.
"Local chicken farms are also reminded to guard against avian flu," the spokesman said.
Members of the public, especially travellers going to areas where avian flu was detected, should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They should avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, and if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
People who develop influenza-like illnesses are also urged to seek medical consultations promptly. They should also reveal their recent travel history to the attending doctors.
End/Friday, August 13, 2004
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