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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received tonight (June 15) notification from the Ministry of Health that the earlier suspected human case of avian influenza in Shenzhen had been confirmed.
The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, pointed out that in view of the confirmed H5N1 human case in Shenzhen, Hong Kong would suspend the import of live poultry and birds from the Mainland for three weeks from tomorrow (June 16). However, the supply of Mainland chilled and frozen poultry meat would not be affected. In addition, the relevant bureaux and departments had stepped up preventive and control measures against avian influenza.
Dr Chow said: "The Government attaches great importance to avian influenza prevention and control work. It is our responsibility to safeguard public health.
"The import suspension is a preventive measure. So far, no problem has been spotted in Mainland poultry and poultry products for supply to Hong Kong.
"But at present, we still cannot clearly grasp the detailed information to confirm the source of infection of the patient in question. The relevant authorities' preliminary assessment is that the patient has paid a number of visits to wet market which also sells live chickens before his onset. Therefore, we consider that it is necessary to suspend live chicken import for the sake of safety and also to give time to the relevant authorities to conduct full investigation.
"We would resume the import of live poultry if no more human cases are found and that no avian influenza outbreaks have occurred in the chicken farms in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen."
Dr Chow added that the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau reviewed the preventive and surveillance measures this morning. Government departments are taking a series of surveillance and public education measures in this regard, which include:
Strengthened Surveillance Measures
*The CHP has informed all doctors in Hong Kong of the latest situation and reminded them to report suspected avian flu infections. The CHP has also contacted public and private hospitals to enhance surveillance of suspected human avian influenza infection.
*The Hospital Authority (HA) has activated an Enhanced Surveillance Programme. All public hospitals have to report to HA any pneumonia of unidentified etiology through HA's reporting system on the internet. Public Hospitals have also set up segregated zones in strategic clinical areas, such as Accident and Emergency Department and general out-patient clinics, to monitor and manage patients with infection symptoms.
*To enhance import control, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has increased the number of imported live poultry sampled for rapid tests of H5 virus by 50 per cent. At the retail level, FEHD will strengthen inspection and enforcement action. Live poultry retailers are reminded of the need to observe operational guidelines to prevent avian influenza.
*On port health measures, the DH will maintain temperature screening for in-bound travellers at all immigration control points. Travellers who are symptomatic with history of possible exposure to the avian flu virus would be referred to hospitals for follow up.
*The Customs and Exercise Department (C&ED) has stepped up its surveillance work at all the border control points to combat illegal import of poultry into Hong Kong. Frontline officers remain vigilant. Adopting a risk management approach, inspections of suspected cargoes and passengers' baggage have been intensified at all the border control points. Since October 2005, the Department has embarked on a special operation with special focus on combating illegal import of poultry and birds. The Department will continue to undertake the operation. The Department will also conduct joint enforcement actions with its counterparts in the Mainland from time to time to combat poultry smuggling at the border.
*The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will step up inspection on local poultry farms and has issued advisory letters to remind farmers to remain vigilant on their farm bio-security measures. AFCD has also issued advisory letters to fishermen to remind them not to bring any live poultry, live birds or bird carcasses into Hong Kong. The Department will step up inspection on backyard poultry farms for the next three weeks and will increase cleansing activities at the Cheung Sha Wan Poultry Wholesale Market. Moreover, AFCD will continue to monitor the H5 virus in dead wild birds.
Enhanced public education
*The Government will intensify the exposure of Announcements in Public Interest (APIs) regarding preventive measures against avian flu on TV, radio and at the hospitals and clinics under HA to remind the public of the need to remain vigilant and to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
*DH will continue to disseminate health advice and useful information through various channels including mass media, 24 hour telephone information system, posters, pamphlets, VCDs and outreach operations targeting at selected groups, etc.
*DH will also distribute health information leaflets to travellers and broadcast health messages at immigration control points. It will also upload updated information onto the Travel Health Website to enhance public awareness of the preventive measures. In respect of the recent case in Shenzhen, the Department will step up health education on members of the public travelling frequently to/from Shenzhen by coaches or other modes of transportation.
*DH has informed the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council about the present situation and provided health advice to travel agencies accordingly.
Dr Chow added: "The Government will continue to closely monitor both the local and global situation in connection with avian influenza and to ensure that the necessary preparedness measures are well in place. We will also continue to follow up with the Health Department of Guangdong Province regarding the confirmed case.กจ
"Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene."
Ends/Thursday, June 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:58
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