***************************
The Department of Health today (December 20) called on travellers to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to protect themselves against infectious and food-borne diseases during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
DH's Chief Port Health Officer, Dr Henry Kong, said avian influenza was one of the health risks, in view of the recent outbreak in Asia and other places of the world.
"Travellers should always maintain good hygiene. They should avoid going to a zoo or farm with poultry and birds and avoid touching those animals and their droppings," Dr Kong said.
"They should wash their hands immediately with soap if in contact with poultry and birds. Make sure poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked before eating.
"Those returning from areas with outbreaks of avian influenza should wear a mask and consult doctors promptly if they have symptoms of influenza. They should let the doctors know their travel history."
Dr Kong reminded travellers to be on guard against dengue fever, which was endemic in Southeast Asia, by taking preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
He added that more than 13,900 cases of dengue fever had been reported in Singapore and 62,000 in Indonesia so far this year.
In Hong Kong, there were 30 imported cases of dengue fever reported to the Centre for Health Protection so far this year and all of them were infected in Asian countries.
He urged travellers to take the following preventive measures:
* wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* use insect repellent containing DEET over the exposed parts of the body; and
* use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
"When going out for dining to celebrate the festive season while travelling or in Hong Kong, members of the public should watch out for food poisoning caused by bacteria and viruses," Dr Kong noted.
He called on people to adopt the following measures:
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimps, crabs, oysters and clams;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and keep the environment clean;
* Do not patronise unlicensed food hawkers;
* Wash hands with soap before eating and after coughing, sneezing and going to toilets.
Dr Kong added that when attending events in crowded places, people were advised to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infections. They are advised to:
* Have adequate rest, a balanced diet, regular exercise and reduce stress. Do not smoke;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wear a mask if develop flu-like symptoms, when caring for the sick, and when visiting hospitals and/or clinics. Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose soiled tissue paper in a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands afterwards.
* Good ventilation should be maintained;
* If feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
For latest information on infectious diseases in other places and relevant preventive measures, people may visit DH's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk or CHP's website http://www.chp.gov.hk/.
Ends/Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:50
NNNN
