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Travellers warned to be vigilant against avian flu

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    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 23) reminded travellers to be vigilant against avian influenza, following reports of a suspected outbreak in a village in Vietnam yesterday.

    Consultant (Community Medicine) of the CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang, said the CHP was liaising with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Vietnamese Consulate in Hong Kong to obtain information on the latest developments.

    He pointed out that a series of preventive measures under the Alert Response Level had been in place since early January this year.

    These measures comprised temperature screening at the airport for arrivals, the broadcasting of health messages and distribution of health information leaflets on board all in-bound flights from Vietnam and the distribution of health information leaflets to passengers leaving for the country.

    "The health information leaflets will be updated today reinforcing the health messages and incorporating the enquiry hotline. The leaflets will be disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for or returning from Vietnam," Dr Tsang said.

    Travellers going to countries with avian influenza cases are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection.

    "They should avoid visiting farms and having direct contact with chickens or their faeces. If they have made contact with chickens, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible," Dr Tsang said.

    "They should also be on the lookout for any symptoms of influenza-like illness including fever, sore throat and coughing after returning to Hong Kong. If symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention promptly and contact the CHP," he said.

    All doctors and hospitals have been alerted about the avian influenza cases in Vietnam. All parties are required to report suspected cases to the DH for follow up.

    Letters will also be sent to all Chinese medicine practitioners to draw their attention to the incident.

    "The CHP will closely monitor the situation in Vietnam and will adjust our measures as necessary to protect public health," Dr Tsang added.

    As Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak season, Dr Tsang called on the public to observe personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection.

Ends/Wednesday, March 23, 2005

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