*******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 9) called on people travelling to viral hepatitis endemic areas, to be vigilant against infection following the confirmation of six sporadic cases of hepatitis A infection involving children who had recently travelled to Pakistan.
The six cases involved four boys and two girls aged between 7 and 12. They developed symptoms of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and jaundice between September 5 and October 1.
They sought treatment at public hospitals and are in stable condition. One of them, a 12-year-old boy, is still being treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
CHP's investigations revealed that they had travelled to Pakistan within six weeks before the onset of symptoms. CHP has contacted the six schools they are attending and learnt that there were no other cases in these schools. CHP has given health advice to the school managements.
The Port Health Office of the department has informed the tourism industry of the cases and the Pakistan Consulate has also been alerted.
A CHP spokesman said hepatitis A was one form of viral hepatitis and was transmitted by faecal-oral route through contaminated food, drinks and shellfish or directly from person-to-person.
"The incubation period of the disease is usually around four weeks but may range from 15 days to 50 days.
"Affected persons of Hepatitis A may be asymptomatic. Those who have symptoms may have poor appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, upper abdominal discomfort, jaundice and tea-coloured urine.
"The illness lasts a few weeks but may sometimes last months. Most patients have a complete recovery but in a few cases, the damage on the liver may be prolonged. Immunity is usually life-long and there is no chronic carrier state," the spokesman said.
People looking after patients with viral hepatitis should wear gowns if soiling is likely and they should used gloves when handling contaminated materials. Patients will usually be given conservative treatment such as bed rest.
The spokesman appealed to the public, in particular people travelling to areas with viral hepatitis, to observe good personal hygiene and food hygiene to prevent infection.
"People should always wash their hands before preparing food, before meals and after going to toilet. They should also avoid drinking contaminated water or beverage with ice of doubtful origin, eating uncooked or undercooked food, particularly shellfish, and eating cut or peeled fruit.
"These measures can also effectively prevent other infectious food-borne illness," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said hepatitis A vaccine should be considered for travellers visiting high risk areas.
"It is used in those two years or older. The vaccine is administered in two doses six months apart. Protection against hepatitis A begins four weeks after the first dose.
"It is safe and does not cause serious side effects. Current evidence suggests that the protection of hepatitis A vaccination lasts for at least 10 years," he said.
The latest information on viral hepatitis in other places can be found in the Travel Health Service website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk. Travel agents, tour guides and travellers can visit the website for the latest news and advice on preventive measures.
Ends/Thursday, October 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:46
NNNN
