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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 10) provided an update on the ninth confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9), which is affecting an 82-year-old woman.
"The epidemiological investigations, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education against avian influenza are all ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.
As of 4pm today, two close contacts and 44 other contacts have been identified.
The close contacts are the patient's family members who accompanied the patient to Hong Kong. Both of them have remained asymptomatic so far. They have been admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for observation and their respiratory specimens will be taken for preliminary laboratory testing.
Other contacts included a family member of the patient in Hong Kong, relevant health-care workers, ambulance staff, and staff at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. All of them have remained asymptomatic so far. They are all under medical surveillance.
The CHP has liaised with the relevant Mainland health authority to follow up on the patient's contacts during her stay in the Mainland.
"In view of human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed locally and multiple cases notified by the Mainland, further cases are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas. Those planning to travel outside Hong Kong should maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times," the spokesman said.
"All boundary control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks on inbound travellers. Random temperature checks by handheld devices have also been arranged. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman added.
Health education for travellers, the display of posters in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence are all proceeding.
The spokesman advised travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas and provinces with fever or respiratory symptoms, to immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Health-care professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas and provinces.
"We have enhanced publicity and health education to reinforce health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman said.
As of 4pm today, the CHP's hotline (2125 1111) for public enquiries had received 217 calls since the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and take heed of the preventive advice against avian influenza below:
* Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap;
* Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, or contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals;
* 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 (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear masks 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 website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas and provinces.
Ends/Thursday, April 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:26
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