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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 13) provided an update on the two confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.
"The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education are proceeding," a spokesman for the DH remarked.
As of 2pm today, there were no newly located or symptomatic contacts for both cases.
Regarding the second confirmed case (a male patient aged 80), the number of close contacts remains at 19 while that of other contacts is 142. For the first confirmed case (a female patient aged 36), the number of close contacts remains at 17 while that of other contacts is 230.
Close contacts were put under quarantine for 10 days since their last contact with the patient and were prescribed with the antiviral Tamiflu for prophylaxis, followed by 10 more days of medical surveillance. Other contacts remain under medical surveillance and were offered Tamiflu prophylaxis.
As of 4pm today, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) had received 91 enquiries.
"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas and provinces, with fever or respiratory symptoms are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas and provinces," the spokesman said.
The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and provinces and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.
The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.
Ends/Friday, December 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:50
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