Health advice to travellers
*************************** The Department of Health today (September 21) reminded members of the public to take preventive measures against infectious diseases when travelling to Southeast Asia.
The appeal was made in view of the recent outbreak of dengue fever in some Southeast Asian countries as well as the detection of cases of human avian influenza in Indonesia.
The department's Chief Port Health Officer, Dr Henry Kong, said that more than 10,000 cases of dengue fever had been reported in Singapore this year and 17 of the 18 imported cases of dengue fever reported to the Centre for Health Protection so far this year came from Southeast Asia.
"Dengue fever is an endemic disease in Southeast Asian countries and the best way to prevent it while visiting these places is to avoid mosquito bites," Dr Kong said.
Information leaflets are being disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore to remind them to take precautionary measures during and after their trips.
Arrangements have also been made with the airlines to broadcast health messages on board all in-bound flights from these places to remind travellers to be vigilant against the disease.
He urged travellers to take the following preventive measures:
* wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and
* use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Dr Kong also reminded travellers to Southeast Asia, in particular Indonesia, to be vigilant against avian influenza following reports of outbreaks in Java recently.
"We have been closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza in the region following the outbreaks of the disease in Thailand and Vietnam last year.
"In fact, a series of preventive measures against avian influenza were put in place in Hong Kong in phases this year to tie in with the situation in Southeast Asia.
"These measures include the broadcasting of health messages on board all in-bound flights from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Health information leaflets are also being distributed to passengers leaving for these countries.
Travellers are also advised to avoid direct contact with chickens or their faeces, and to avoid visiting farms. If contact has been made, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
"They should also be on the lookout for any symptoms of influenza-like illness including fever, sore throat and coughing after returning to Hong Kong. If symptoms developed, they should seek medical attention promptly and provide their travel history to the doctor," Dr Kong noted.
"To arouse awareness among Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong of the threat of avian influenza, staff of the Department of Health have sent publicity pamphlets to relevant organisations for distribution among the Indonesia population," Dr Kong added.
For the latest information on infectious diseases in other places and relevant preventive measures, visit the department's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk.
*************************** The Department of Health today (September 21) reminded members of the public to take preventive measures against infectious diseases when travelling to Southeast Asia.
The appeal was made in view of the recent outbreak of dengue fever in some Southeast Asian countries as well as the detection of cases of human avian influenza in Indonesia.
The department's Chief Port Health Officer, Dr Henry Kong, said that more than 10,000 cases of dengue fever had been reported in Singapore this year and 17 of the 18 imported cases of dengue fever reported to the Centre for Health Protection so far this year came from Southeast Asia.
"Dengue fever is an endemic disease in Southeast Asian countries and the best way to prevent it while visiting these places is to avoid mosquito bites," Dr Kong said.
Information leaflets are being disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore to remind them to take precautionary measures during and after their trips.
Arrangements have also been made with the airlines to broadcast health messages on board all in-bound flights from these places to remind travellers to be vigilant against the disease.
He urged travellers to take the following preventive measures:
* wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
* use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and
* use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Dr Kong also reminded travellers to Southeast Asia, in particular Indonesia, to be vigilant against avian influenza following reports of outbreaks in Java recently.
"We have been closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza in the region following the outbreaks of the disease in Thailand and Vietnam last year.
"In fact, a series of preventive measures against avian influenza were put in place in Hong Kong in phases this year to tie in with the situation in Southeast Asia.
"These measures include the broadcasting of health messages on board all in-bound flights from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Health information leaflets are also being distributed to passengers leaving for these countries.
Travellers are also advised to avoid direct contact with chickens or their faeces, and to avoid visiting farms. If contact has been made, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
"They should also be on the lookout for any symptoms of influenza-like illness including fever, sore throat and coughing after returning to Hong Kong. If symptoms developed, they should seek medical attention promptly and provide their travel history to the doctor," Dr Kong noted.
"To arouse awareness among Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong of the threat of avian influenza, staff of the Department of Health have sent publicity pamphlets to relevant organisations for distribution among the Indonesia population," Dr Kong added.
For the latest information on infectious diseases in other places and relevant preventive measures, visit the department's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:59
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