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The Department of Health (DH) was monitoring a report of avian influenza involving a 16-year-old girl in Vietnam and had taken corresponding preventive measures, a DH spokesman said today (December 31).

In addition to the on-going health screening measures including temperature screening at Hong Kong airport, all in-bound flights from Vietnam have been requested to broadcast health messages, advising passengers with cough and fever to wear a mask and approach the medical post on arrival.

"Health information leaflets about the situation in Vietnam and health advice are also being distributed to passengers leaving for Vietnam," the spokesman said.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under DH is sending out letters to all doctors in Hong Kong and alerting hospitals about this incident.

"They are required to report any suspected case to the DH for prompt investigation and control measures," the spokesman said.

The DH has also contacted the travel industry and advised them accordingly.

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

Ends/Friday, December 31, 2004

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