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Following the finding of dead birds in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is liaising with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in tracing people who had potential contact with the dead birds suspected of being infected with H5 avian influenza.
CHP contacted six members of the public who reported the incident and 12 staff involved in the operation of collecting dead birds.
Seventeen of them are asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance, a CHP spokesman said today (January 31).
The 26-year-old driver who had participated in collecting the dead birds on January 29 developed fever and symptoms of upper respiratory infection since January 27. He denied having contacted with the birds during the operation.
Given the fact that the driver developed symptoms two days before the operation, the spokesman noted that the chance of him being infected with avian flu was low.
ˇ§However, as a precautionary measure and in order to follow up his condition more closely, the driver has been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital for observation and further investigation,ˇ¨ he added.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into covered dustbins;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
* Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever; and
* When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.
For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, January 31, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:59
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