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The Department of Health (DH) today (January 12) reminded members of the public travelling to Turkey to be extra cautious against avian flu and to observe good personal hygiene in view of the human avian flu cases in the country.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Turkey health authority has recently announced an additional 11 laboratory confirmed human cases of avian flu, bringing to 15 the total number of human cases in the country, including two fatal cases.
Although further verification of these cases is being made by the WHO, the situation there is a cause for concern, a Department of Health spokesman said.
As many people are planning to travel to Turkey to enjoy their holidays during the Lunar New Year, they should take the following preventive measures to protect themselves if they decide to go ahead with the trip:
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings, and if contact has been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
* Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating
* Wash hands frequently
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, wrap spittle with tissue and put it into a covered dustbin
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever,
* Bring along masks,
* In case of fever and influenza-like illnesses during the trip or when returning to Hong Kong, consult a doctor promptly and tell him your travel history.
The spokesman said the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) had been maintaining close contact with the WHO and the Consulate General of Turkey to stay up to date on the latest situation in Turkey.
"The department's Port Health Office has arranged the broadcasting of health messages on board all in-bound flights from Turkey since October 15, 2005. Leaflets with health information are also being distributed to passengers leaving for the country.
"Airlines have been reminded to inform the Port Health Office if there are any passengers feeling unwell on board flights coming to Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the travel industry has been informed of the situation in Turkey and health advice was also given to them.
The latest information and health advice on avian influenza for travellers has been updated and available at the department's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
If travellers wish to obtain more information on avian influenza, they may call the 24-hour pre-recorded health education hotline 2833 0111 or visit the CHP website, http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, January 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:18
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