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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has taken additional measures to prevent H5 avian influenza in view of the recent situation in Southeast Asia.

The CHP has been maintaining close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) over a family cluster of H5 avian influenza in Thailand with suspected human-to-human transmission.

According to WHO, while the investigation of this family cluster suggested that human-to-human transmission may have occurred, evidence to date indicates that transmission of the virus among humans has been limited to family members and that no wider transmission in the community has occurred. Continued vigilance is needed to determine whether the epidemiological situation in humans remains stable.

"The DH has informed airlines today to make arrangements to broadcast on flights from Thailand and Vietnam health messages advising passengers with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat to approach medical posts at the airport for assistance," a CHP spokesman said today (September 30).

Health messages will also be broadcast more frequently at the airport to advise travellers, especially people going to areas where avian flu was detected, to avoid direct contact with poultry and birds.

Together with the temperature screening on all arriving passengers at the airport, these measures could protect public health and at the same time would not cause unnecessary inconvenience to travellers," the spokesman said.

Also today, the CHP is sending letters to all doctors in Hong Kong updating them about the latest avian flu situation and remind them to maintain vigilance about the disease.

"Doctors are required to notify any suspected case of avian influenza A H5 to DH for prompt investigation and control measures," the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that the CHP will continue to maintain close liaison with the World Health Organization and overseas health authorities to obtain latest progress.

Noting that Hong Kong has an intensive surveillance system for human influenza, the spokesman said there have been no H5N1 isolates identified in Hong Kong in 2004.

"Local human and animal surveillance systems for the detection of avian influenza are in place, together with appropriate response mechanisms" the spokesman said.

Health information is also 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.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html.

"The public is reminded to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene," the spokesman said.

They should avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, and if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating.

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.

Ends/Thursday, September 30, 2004

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