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Update on measles cases
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 14) that no additional case of measles infection has been recorded as at 4pm today.

     Separately, the CHP was notified by the health authority of Japan of one measles case confirmed in Japan. According to the information provided by the health authority of Japan, the patient took a cruise from April 7 to 9 travelling from Shenzhen to Naha, Okinawa with passengers from Hong Kong. The patient developed fever on April 8 and was diagnosed with measles on April 12. The CHP's contact tracing is ongoing and will continue to maintain close communication with the Japanese health authority for further information.

     "The incubation period (the period from infection to appearance of illness) of measles ranges from seven days to 21 days. Symptoms of measles include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If symptoms arise, members of the public should wear surgical masks, stop going to work or school and avoid going to crowded places. They should also avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially persons with weakened immunity, pregnant women and children aged below one. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals," the spokesman advised. 

     Regarding measles control measures implemented at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), a total of 5 persons received measles vaccination at the airport vaccination station as at 6pm today, bringing the cumulative number of vaccinations given to 8 140.

     From tomorrow (April 15) to April 28, the vaccination quota for the measles vaccination station at the airport remains at 500 doses daily. Vaccination to eligible airport staff will be provided to the following target groups who: 

     (1) Were born in or after 1967, and have not received two doses of measles vaccination, and have not been infected with measles before, and with evidence of living with infants under one year old or living with pregnant women; or 

     (2) Have laboratory evidence of testing not positive against measles antibody (IgG)

     Details of evidence are as follows:

     (a) Supporting documents for living with infants under one-year-old: for example, birth certificate, discharge summary or vaccination card of the infant

     (b) Supporting documents for living with pregnant women: for example, positive pregnancy tests or antenatal follow-up cards of the pregnant women

     (c) Supporting documents for laboratory evidence: for example, blood results from the DH's measles serology test or any laboratory within the past 12 months

     The venue and operation hours of the airport vaccination station are as follows: 
    
Venue: Multi-function Room, HKIA Tower (Level 5, Terminal 2)
Hours: April 15 to 28
10am to 1pm
2pm to 6pm

     As for the blood test service, the DH will continue to arrange the provision of a measles serology test service for airport staff to identify those who need the measles vaccination. A DH contractor will provide the blood test service to about 200 airport staff who were born in or after 1967 daily from Tuesdays to Thursdays (April 16 to 18, 23 to 25). The blood test service will be suspended from Fridays to Mondays.

     The venue and operation hours of the airport blood test station are as follows: 
    
Venue: South side before the Immigration Hall at Level 3 of Terminal 2 (non-restricted area)
Hours: April 16 to 18, 23 to 25
9am to 1pm

     A hotline (2125 1122) has been set up for public enquiries and operates during office hours from Mondays to Fridays. A total of 3 136 enquiries have been received so far.
 
Ends/Sunday, April 14, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:50
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