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The Department of Health (DH) today (February 13) urged members of the public who are planning to travel outside Hong Kong during the coming Lunar New Year holidays to take precautions against respiratory illnesses and Dengue Fever (DF).
A spokesman for the DH said, "It is important to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times in order to prevent from respiratory diseases, such as seasonal influenza, avian influenza A (H7N9) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) when travelling.
"Also, we call on the public to stay vigilant against DF while they travel, especially to places within southeast Asia.
"The Port Health Office of DH has issued a letter to the travel industry in order to remind travellers from Hong Kong to adopt measures to protect their own health during the coming Lunar New Year holidays," the spokesman added.
Seasonal Influenza
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As the influenza season is ongoing in many areas, the spokesman appealed to all travellers to remain vigilant and take heed of the following preventive measures:
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
Avian Influenza A (H7N9)
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In view of the two imported human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed in Hong Kong in this winter and multiple cases reported in various provinces and municipalities in the mainland recently, the activity of avian influenza virus is expected to be high in the winter season.
The public should remain vigilant and take heed, besides of the above advice against seasonal influenza, of the advice against avian influenza below:
* Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. Avoid contact with poultry, birds or their droppings;
* If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
* Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered and contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
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Recently, there were cases of MERS reported in a number of countries. When travelling to those affected areas, the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the advice against MERS below:
* Avoid going to farms, barns, or markets with camels;
* Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel;
* Wash hands regularly before and after touching animals in case of visits to farms or barns;
* Do not consume raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled;
* Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
* Avoid visits to health-care settings with MERS patients;
* Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose; and
* Wash hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet.
Dengue Fever (DF)
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Dengue fever is an endemic disease in most Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquitoes all year round and take the following preventive measures against DF:
* Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* Use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing; and
* Use mosquito screens or nets in rooms that are not air-conditioned.
"Anyone feeling unwell after returning from a trip should seek medical advice as soon as possible and provide travel details to their doctor as this may facilitate early diagnosis and treatment," the spokesman added.
The public may visit the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup.html) for more information and health advice.
Ends/Friday, February 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:15
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