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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 19) reminded people to observe personal hygiene measures against human swine influenza (HSI) both in Hong Kong and while staying abroad.
CHP received report from the Health Department of Guangdong Province today (November 19) about a 56-year-old Hong Kong male citizen who was confirmed to have HSI and who died on November 15.
He had underlying heart disease. He had lived in Guangzhou for some years and had no recent travel history to Hong Kong.
According to the World Health Organization, as of November 1 this year more than 206 countries worldwide have laboratory confirmed cases of HSI, including more than 6,250 deaths.
HSI activity is widespread in the United States, Canada, and across Europe. Sharp increases in HSI continue to be reported in Japan. China's influenza activity has also been on the rise during the past three to four weeks.
In Hong Kong, as of today, there have a cumulative total of 40 fatal cases from HSI. While HSI activity has been stable of late, CHP is maintaining vigilance in its influenza surveillance systems in order to detect early signs of arrival of the winter flu season.
CHP reiterated the importance of personal protective measures such as handwashing and respiratory precautions both in Hong Kong and while staying abroad.¡@
People with chronic medical conditions should avoid crowded places to reduce the chance of contracting HSI.
They should immediately seek appropriate medical care if feeling unwell from flu symptoms.¡@¡@
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:15
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