<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?><?xml-stylesheet href="style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Prevention of Avian Influenza</title><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/index.htm</link><image><url>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/rss_logo_en.gif</url><title>Prevention of Avian Influenza</title><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/index.htm</link></image><description>HKSAR Government Press Releases - Avian Influenza</description><language>en-UK</language><copyright>Copyright, HKSAR Government</copyright><webMaster>irc@isd.gov.hk</webMaster><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate><lastBuildDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:37:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><generator>ISD Avian Influenza RSS Generator 3.21</generator><item><title>MoA confirms H5N1 avian influenza in Liwan, Guangzhou</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/16/P200803160174.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/16/P200803160174.htm</link><pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2008 11:27:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) has been notified by the Ministry of Agriculture that the death of chickens in a poultry retail market in Liwan, Guangzhou was a confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza infection, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said today (March 16). ˇ§Upon the confirmation of the case, the HKSARG will adopt corresponding measure by suspending the import of live birds, live poultry and poultry products from the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the infected area for 21 days. We come to the decision after making reference to the guidelines set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health and assessing the control and prevention of avian influenza as well as the related inspection and quarantine measures in Guangdong Province. ˇ§The import suspension measure is a precautionary measure. Our primary objective is to safeguard public health,ˇ¨ the spokesman said. The Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (GDCIQ) had verified that there are no registered live poultry farms or processing plants for supplying chilled and frozen poultry meat to Hong Kong in the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the infected area. There are, however, two pet bird farms within the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the infected area. The HKSARG will suspend the import of live birds from these two pet bird farms for 21 days in accordance with the corresponding measure mentioned above. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will continue to strictly enforce inspection and quarantine measures on imported pet birds. ˇ§The GDCIQ has reaffirmed that no abnormality is detected in chickens in registered farms in Guangdong Province. In view of the confirmed avian influenza case, the authorities in Guangdong Province will step up control and preventive measures,ˇ¨ the spokesman added. The HKSARG will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities and the concerned government departments will step up their preventive and control measures to guard against avian influenza. The AFCD, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will enhance inspection and surveillance of the hygiene conditions in all local live poultry farms, as well as wholesale and retail markets. The FEHD would step up the testing of Mainland live chickens. AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department, the Police and the relevant Mainland authorities would stay alert and strive to deter the smuggling of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to prevent an increase in the risk of avian influenza outbreak brought by poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine. The Government would also strengthen its enforcement actions against the public bringing live poultry and poultry meat into Hong Kong illegally. The Department of Health would step up health advice to travellers by broadcasting health messages at immigration control points and distributing health advice leaflets. On personal health, the spokesman reminded the public to avoid touching live poultry and birds and their droppings. If they contact live poultry and birds, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterwards. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating. When travelling outside Hong Kong, the public should avoid touching live poultry and birds. Travellers returning from areas with avian influenza outbreak should consult doctors immediately if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. They should inform the doctor of their travel history and wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease. ]]></description></item><item><title>Mainland authorities contacted to learn more about chicken deaths in Guangdong</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/15/P200803150225.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/15/P200803150225.htm</link><pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:43:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) has communicated with the Ministry of Agriculture over the death of some chickens in a poultry retail market in Liwan, Guangzhou and a poultry wholesale market in Lishui town, Nanhai district, Foshan, Guangdong, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said today (March 15). The HKSARG learnt that the Guangdong authorities were investigating into the cause for chicken deaths in Liwan. Since the chickens in question came from a stall in a poultry wholesale market in Lishui town, Nanhai district, the Foshan authorities had culled some 2,000 live poultry of the relevant stall as a precautionary measure. No abnormality was found among live poultry in Foshan so far. "If the concerned market in Guangdong was confirmed to have avian influenza cases, we will take corresponding measure by suspending the import of live poultry and poultry products from the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the infected area for 21 days. "The decision was made after making reference to the guidelines set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health and assessing the control and prevention of avian influenza as well as the related inspection and quarantine measures in Guangdong Province. "We understood that the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau had checked whether there are any registered live poultry farms near the concerned markets. After verification, there are neither registered live poultry farms nor processing plants for supplying chilled and frozen poultry meat to Hong Kong in the zone of 13-kilometre radius of the two relevant markets. "No abnormality was found in chickens in registered farms in Guangdong Province currently. We will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities and monitor the latest development as well as the preventive and control measures adopted by the Mainland. "The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will send staff to inspect the bio-security and quarantine measures in some registered farms in Guangdong to ensure the food safety of chickens supplied to Hong Kong," the spokesman said. Moreover, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) has contacted the Department of Health of Guangdong Province and learnt that no human case of avian influenza was found in Guangdong Province. Meanwhile, various government departments would step up measures to prevent avian influenza. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and FEHD would enhance inspection and surveillance of the hygiene conditions in all local live poultry farms, as well as wholesale and retail markets. The FEHD would step up the testing of Mainland live chickens. AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department, the Police and the relevant Mainland authorities would stay alert and strive to deter the smuggling of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to prevent an increase in the risk of avian influenza outbreak brought by poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine. The Government would also strengthen its enforcement actions against the public bringing live poultry and poultry meat into Hong Kong illegally. The DH would step up health advice to travellers by broadcasting health messages at immigration control points and distributing health advice leaflets. On personal health, the spokesman reminded the public to avoid touching live poultry and birds and their droppings. If they contact live poultry and birds, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterwards. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating. When travelling outside Hong Kong, the public should avoid touching live poultry and birds. Travellers returning from areas with avian influenza outbreak should consult doctors immediately if they have symptoms of influenza after the trip. They should inform the doctor of their travel history and wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease.]]></description></item><item><title>Peregrine Falcon tests positive for H5N1 virus</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/14/P200803140213.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/14/P200803140213.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:21:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (March 14) that a Peregrine Falcon found in Ma Wan was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests. The sick bird was found and collected on March 8 in the bushes near Pak Lai Road, Park Island, Ma Wan. It died the same day. Peregrine Falcons are scarce residents and winter visitors to Hong Kong. A department spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene. "They should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said.]]></description></item><item><title>Peregrine Falcon tested for H5 virus</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/11/P200803110231.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/11/P200803110231.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:11:54 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Preliminary testing of a Peregrine Falcon found in Ma Wan had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (March 11), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted. The sick bird was found and collected on March 8 in the bushes near Pak Lai Road, Park Island, Ma Wan. It died on the same day. Peregrine Falcon is a scarce resident and winter visitor to Hong Kong. The spokesman said there were no chicken farms within three kilometres of where the bird was found. "In view of this case, the AFCD will phone poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken." The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department would continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene. The Department of Health will keep up its health education and distribute health advice leaflets. AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine. The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained. The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza. Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.]]></description></item><item><title>Oriental magpie robin tests positive for H5N1 virus</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/07/P200803070225.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/07/P200803070225.htm</link><pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:51:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (March 7) that an Oriental magpie robin found earlier in Tai Po was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after a series of laboratory tests. The bird carcass was found and collected on February 29 near the management centre in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve. The Oriental magpie robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong. A department spokesman reminded people to observe good personal hygiene. "They should avoid personal contact with wild birds or live poultry and clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them," he said. ]]></description></item><item><title>Oriental Magpie Robin tested for H5 virus</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/04/P200803040268.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/04/P200803040268.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:03:19 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Preliminary testing of a dead Oriental Magpie Robin found in Tai Po had indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (March 4), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted. The bird carcass was found and collected on February 29 near the management centre in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve. Oriental Magpie Robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong. "In view of this case, we have conducted a thorough cleansing operation in the nearby area of the management centre today. Notices have been put up near the management centre to remind the public to avoid contact with birds and their droppings. Our country park staff will also step up precautionary measures in the parks," the spokesman said. The spokesman said there was one commercial chicken farm within three kilometers of where the bird was found. The AFCD had immediately sent staff to inspect the chicken farm, and had found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks. The chicken farm will be put under enhanced surveillance. The AFCD will phone poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters will be issued to the farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken. The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza had been implemented. The department will continue its wild bird monitoring and surveillance. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene. The Department of Health will keep up with its health education and distribute health advice leaflets. AFCD, FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks brought by imported poultry and birds that had not gone through inspection and quarantine. The spokesman said the threat of avian influenza remained. The relevant departments will remain vigilant and continue to take preventive and control measures against avian influenza. Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene. They should avoid personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.]]></description></item><item><title>CHP clarifies media report on three-year-old boy admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/03/P200803030153.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200803/03/P200803030153.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:03:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In response to media enquiries on a case involving a three-year-old boy admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital yesterday for diarrhoea, fever and upper respiratory tract symptoms, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority said today (March 3) it was not a suspected case of avian influenza. The clinical picture of the boy was compatible with acute gastroenteritis and chest x-ray was normal. The boy had earlier stayed in Fujian. No human or poultry outbreak of avian influenza has been reported in Fujian for more than six months. The boy sought medical treatment from a private hospital in Sha Tin yesterday morning and was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day. He is now in stable condition. ]]></description></item><item><title>Precautions against avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/27/P200802270206.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/27/P200802270206.htm</link><pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:22:43 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung Kin-kee and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (February 27): Question: Regarding cases of avian influenza infections, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the information about the cases of birds and human beings being infected with avian influenza viruses on the Mainland and in Hong Kong in the past six months tabulated in Annex I. (b) given that avian influenza virus was found in a bird carcass recently collected at the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market, and that area is infested with house crows all along, apart from the existing measures (including cleaning markets and alerting poultry farmers and poultry farm workers), how the authorities will further prevent infected birds from coming into contact with poultry and house crows, whether they will consider raising the level of the contingency measures, and what measures the authorities have in place to especially assist the residents of the affected areas; and (c) given that it has been reported that due to the surge in local prices of products, some members of the public will cross the boundary to buy poultry meats not thoroughly cooked on the Mainland and bring them back to Hong Kong, what follow-up measures the authorities have in place, and whether they will consider educating the public to make them aware that they may bring avian influenza virus to Hong Kong through those meats? Reply: Madam President, (a) Information about the cases of birds and human beings being infected with avian influenza viruses in the Mainland and in Hong Kong in the past six months is tabulated in Annex II. (b) Regarding the incident in which the carcass of an Oriental Magpie Robin carrying avian influenza virus was collected in the vicinity of the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) immediately took away the carcass the day it was found and submitted it for testing, so as to minimise the risk of other birds or members of the public coming into contact with the carcass. In light of the incident, the AFCD conducted a thorough cleansing cum disinfection operation in both the Wholesale Food Market and the Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market in Cheung Sha Wan. The AFCD also reminded poultry farmers, pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons to take proper precautions. In addition, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has stepped up its street cleansing operations in the Cheung Sha Wan area in order to maintain good environmental hygiene. As the poultry for sale in Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market are all kept in poultry cages, the risk of direct contact between these poultry and outside birds is minimal. Moreover, since all the chickens in the market have been vaccinated against avian influenza, their risk of being infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds is low. Nevertheless, the AFCD will remain highly vigilant. It will step up inspections and surveillance of the wholesale poultry market and remind wholesalers to maintain good hygiene and take proper precautions against avian influenza. We are aware of the concern of the residents in Sham Shui Po over the roosting of house crows in the district. The AFCD has already held several discussions with the Sham Shui Po District Council on the issue and implemented measures to reduce the number of house crows. These measures include the removal of eggs and chicks during the breeding seasons and baiting. Since 2004, a total of 552 house crow eggs/chicks have been removed from the Kowloon City and Sham Shui Po Districts. As at the end of 2007, a total of 281 house crows have been caught by the AFCD. The AFCD will maintain regular contact with the Sham Shui Po District Council and assess the effectiveness of these measures and ways to enhance it. For contingency measures, the Government issued in early 2005 a plan entitled "Emergency Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic in Hong Kong" to enhance Government and community preparedness to cope with avian/pandemic influenza emergencies. The plan includes a three-level response system, i.e. Alert Response Level, Serious Response Level and Emergency Response Level. The Alert Response Level applies when there is confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry populations outside Hong Kong, or when there is confirmation of HPAI in imported birds in quarantine, in wild birds, in recreational parks, in pet bird shops or in the natural environment in Hong Kong. In view of the recent confirmed cases of wild birds infected with avian influenza virus, the Government has activated the Alert Response Level according to the contingency plan. (c) According to the World Health Organisation, all the available evidence suggests that the vast majority of H5N1 human cases were caused by infection through direct contact with infected live or dead poultry. At present, there is no evidence indicating that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection. However, as the poultry or eggs may have been contaminated by bacteria or viruses, they may pose a certain degree of food safety risk when not properly cooked. The import of frozen/chilled poultry meat is subject to control under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulation (Cap 132AK). Import of all frozen/chilled poultry meat must be accompanied with an import permission and import licence as well as an official health certificate. This control measure is also applicable to undercooked poultry meat. Therefore, anyone who imports undercooked poultry meat, whether for his/her own consumption or sale, without an official health certificate or import licence commits an offence. The Government has put up posters and large warning notices at all major land boundary control points, seaports and the Hong Kong International Airport to remind the public not to import meat and poultry illegally. Apart from carrying out inspection duties at boundary control points, the Centre for Food Safety also conducts joint operations with the Customs and Excise Department (C&amp;ED) to crack down on illegal import of poultry. In 2007, a total of 76 visitors entering Hong Kong through land boundary control points or the Hong Kong International Airport were prosecuted for bringing in fresh/chilled poultry without an official health certificate. Moreover, under the Quarantine Detector Dog Programme jointly introduced by the AFCD and the Centre for Food Safety, detector dogs have been deployed to various boundary control points since Chinese New Year to help detect the illegal import of animal and meat products into Hong Kong. The Centre for Food Safety will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate enforcement actions when necessary. In addition to the enforcement actions mentioned above, the Government has from time to time been educating the public on safety in food consumption and on the need to cook poultry meat thoroughly before consumption through food safety talks, leaflets, mobile broadcasts, websites and television announcements of public interest etc. The public are also advised to note that when cooking, the centre of poultry meat should be heated up to above 70˘J and be cooked continuously for at least two minutes at that temperature level. If there are pinkish juices running from the cooked poultry or the middle parts of the bones are still red in colour, they should cook the poultry again until fully done. As a precautionary measure against avian influenza infection, the public are also advised to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to avoid cross-contamination. ]]></description></item><item><title>Hong Kong stands up against avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/26/P200802260318.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/26/P200802260318.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:02:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Following the confirmation of the suspected human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Haifeng, Shanwei in Guangdong Province by the Ministry of Health, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) would from today (February 26) suspend live poultry import and their products from the zone of 13-kilometre radius of possible source of infection for 21 days. The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said, "It is understood that the deceased patient did not leave the place of her onset during the incubation period. She is believed to have contracted the illness through eating or contacting sick and dead poultry. Initial investigation indicates there is no sign of human-to-human transmission. We are of the view that the above-mentioned arrangement is appropriate." "We will adopt the same measure if similar human cases of avian influenza is found in Guangdong Province in the future. The measure has made reference to the latest guidelines set by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and World Organisation for Animal Health. We have informed our Mainland counterparts of the arrangement," he added. According to the guidelines, one to five kilometre radius of the case where avian influenza is found are known as the infected area, two to 10 kilometre radius of the infected area are grouped as the control area. Control and preventive measures are to be adopted within three to 15 kilometre radius of the infected area to prevent the spread of the disease. After assessing the control and prevention of avian influenza and the related inspection and quarantine measures in Guangdong Province, HKSARG decided to set the total zone for the infected area and control area at 13 kilometre radius. The State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau had imposed stringent biosecurity measures on registered live poultry farms for supply to Hong Kong to reduce the risk of avian influenza outbreak. Live poultry had to receive vaccination and were checked that they had enough antibodies before being sent to Hong Kong. Avian influenza found in non-registered farms or backyard poultry would pose a relatively lower risk to Hong Kong as they were not for export to Hong Kong. Dr Chow appealed to the public not to bring live poultry to Hong Kong illegally. He stressed that the top priority of the Government was to protect public health. The Government and the relevant Mainland authorities would closely monitor the situation. Various Government departments in Hong Kong had stepped up control and public education on avian influenza. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had fielded staff to inspect registered live poultry farms for supply to Hong Kong in east Guangdong. There is no registered live poultry farm for supply to Hong Kong in Shanwei, and registered chilled or frozen poultry processing plant for supply to Hong Kong in Shanwei. The Centre for Food Safety had stepped up inspection and quarantine on avian influenza virus test for live poultry import from the Mainland, with dropping test increased from six batches a day to 12 batches a day. On top of this, 18 blood samples would be taken from each consignment of live poultry for testing of antibodies. The Centre would also conduct strict surveillance on chilled poultry, with health certificate of every consignment of chilled poultry being checked at Man Kam To control point. Poultry meat would also be checked and samples taken for inspection when necessary. The Department of Health (DH) has put in place a four-week Enhanced Pneumonia Surveillance Programme under which H5 test would be conducted by all public and private hospitals for people who developed pneumonia with unknown etiology within seven days after visiting places where human case of avian influenza was reported in the past six months. The department would distribute health information leaflets and display health messages at all immigration control points. DH has informed the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council of the relevant situation and provided health advice to travel agencies accordingly. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and FEHD have stepped up inspection on local poultry farms, wholesale and retail markets. AFCD, FEHD and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will increase checks on country parks, streets and parks, and arrange cleansing promptly when droppings are found. The Customs and Excise Department also stepped up surveillance at all the boundary control points of illegal import of poultry. ]]></description></item><item><title>Human case of avian flu in Shanwei confirmed</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/26/P200802260253.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/26/P200802260253.htm</link><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:32:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received confirmation today (February 26) from the Ministry of Health (MoH) that samples taken from the 44-year-old woman who was suspected to have been infected with the avian flu virus and died in Shanwei yesterday had tested positive for the H5N1 avian flu virus. The woman developed fever and pneumonia on February 16 and passed away on February 25. The spokesman said the CHP would maintain close liaison with the Department of Health of Guangdong Province and the MoH to follow up the situation. He 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 contact has been made, people 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; * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever; * When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or upon return to Hong Kong, you should consult a doctor promptly and reveal your travel history. For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk. ]]></description></item><item><title>Government on full alert against avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250216.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250216.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:06:29 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In the light of recent human cases of H5 avian influenza in the Mainland, the Government has stepped up its monitoring and surveillance efforts to guard against avian influenza in Hong Kong. A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said that as an additional measure, DH had activated a four-week Enhanced Pneumonia Surveillance Programme (EPS) under which H5 test would be conducted by all public and private hospitals for people who developed pneumonia with unknown etiology within seven days after visiting places where human case of avian flu was reported in the past six months. "We will also ask all private hospitals to take corresponding measures to detect any suspected case of avian flu," he said. The spokesman added that DH would maintain temperature screening for in-bound travelers at all immigration control points. "Health information leaflets will be distributed and health messages displayed at all immigration control points," he said. DH has informed the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council about the present situation and provided health advice to travel agencies accordingly, the spokesman said. The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Guangdong health authorities and China Ministry of Health to follow up on the recent confirmed and suspected human cases of avian flu in the Mainland. Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will also step up inspection and monitoring of the hygiene conditions in all local poultry farms, wholesale and retail markets. The Customs and Excise Department will strengthen its efforts to crack down on smuggling activities on birds and poultry at boundary control points. 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; * Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever; * 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. ]]></description></item><item><title>Hospital Authority activates Enhanced Surveillance Programme for avian influenza</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250147.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250147.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:14:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: Upon notification by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of a suspected human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guangdong Province, the Hospital Authority (HA) today (February 25) announces that it will implement a four-week Enhanced Surveillance Programme in public hospitals from tomorrow (February 26) until March 24, with the following measures: - Public hospitals should report to the e-Flu system of HA all patients fulfilling the case definition of having pneumonia (all types) of unidentified etiology and travel history to affected areas/countries with confirmed human cases of avian influenza infection in the past six months, within seven days before symptoms onset. - The laboratory of Queen Mary Hospital and the Public Health Laboratory Centre of the Department of Health will participate in the Enhanced Surveillance Programme to provide rapid testing for avian influenza. - This Enhanced Surveillance Programme will be reviewed in four weeks' time. - Meanwhile, all infection control measures of public hospitals under the current Alert Response Level are still in effect. "HA head office has also reminded the frontline staff of hospitals and clinics to step up all infection control measures and maintain vigilance. HA will closely observe the report from CHP which will continue to liaise with the Ministry of Health on the latest developments. We will continue the close liaison with CHP and will update frontline staff and the public accordingly," a spokesman for HA said.]]></description></item><item><title>Notification of a suspected human case of avian flu in Guangdong</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250009.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/25/P200802250009.htm</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:06:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Department of Health of Guangdong Province and Ministry of Health (MoH) last (February 24) night concerning a suspected human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guangdong Province. A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 44-year-old woman who developed symptoms on February 16. She is now in serious condition. The case has yet to be confirmed by MoH. The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Guangdong health authorities and MoH to obtain more information on the case. 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; * 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.]]></description></item><item><title>Notification of a case of human avian flu in Guangxi</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/21/P200802210225.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/21/P200802210225.htm</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:36:04 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Ministry of Health today (February 21) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guangxi Province. A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 41-year-old man who developed symptoms on February 12 and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment on February 14. He died on February 20. Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention today yielded positive to H5N1. The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Ministry of Health to obtain more information on the case. 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; * 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.]]></description></item><item><title>Notification of a case of human avian flu in Hunan</title><guid>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/18/P200802180301.htm</guid><link>http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200802/18/P200802180301.htm</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:41:14 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from the Ministry of Health today (February 18) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Hunan Province. A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 22-year-old man who developed headache and fever on January 16 and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment. He died on January 24. Retrospective laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yesterday yielded positive to H5N1. The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the Ministry of Health to obtain more information on the case. 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; * 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. ]]></description></item></channel></rss>