Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January to March 2009)

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Guangxi (1/26/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 26) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guangxi Autonomous Region.


A CHP spokesman said the patient was an 18-year-old man living in Beiliu.

He developed symptoms on January 19 and passed away today.

The man had history of exposure to dead sick poultry before onset of symptoms.

Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive for H5N1.

The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the 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.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Arrival of the winter influenza season in Hong Kong (1/30/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 30) called on people to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza.


Head of the Emergency Response and Information Branch of the CHP, Dr Thomas Chung, said the Centre had been closely monitoring influenza activity.

Most recent data showed an increasing number of influenza isolates, which signalled the arrival of the winter influenza season. Traditionally, the winter influenza season in Hong Kong tends to arrive between January and March. Influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) showed a steady rise, Dr Chung said.

The PHLC recorded 105 influenza detections last week (from January 18-24) as compared with 69 influenza detections from January 12-17.

Dr Chung said CHP also received 10 influenza-like-illness outbreaks in institutions affecting 59 people in the same week and among them, two were confirmed to be caused by influenza. The consultation rates for influenza-like-illness in private doctors and general out-patients clinics (GOPC) have not yet shown obvious signs of increase.

During the week ending January 24, consultation rates for influenza-like illness in private doctors and GOPC were 27.7 and 4.9 per 1000 consultations respectively while the corresponding figures for the week before were 38.5 and 5.2 respectively.

"CHP will monitor these consultation rates in anticipation of their rise over the next few weeks as the flu season progresses," Dr Chung said. He said that as a prudent and preventive measure, the CHP would send letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them to the most current influenza situation and providing advice on prevention and control.

The Government launched the Influenza Vaccination Programme in November last year. So far more than 270,000 doses of flu vaccine have been administered to eligible target groups. The programme will last until March 31 and eligible people are urged to receive vaccinations as soon as possible.

Dr Chung reminded people to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they developed influenza-like symptoms.
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[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200901/20090131/article_389406.htm

Flu cases rise
Created: 2009-1-31 0:21:40


THE Center for Health Protection of Hong Kong said yesterday that there had been a steady increase in the number of flu cases. The center's emergency response and information branch head Thomas Chung said 105 influenza cases were recorded between January 18 and 24, up from 69 the previous week.

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Eighteen persons with contact of dead birds put under medical surveillance (1/31/2009) [CHP]

Following the finding of dead birds in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is liaising with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in tracing people who had potential contact with the dead birds suspected of being infected with H5 avian influenza.


CHP contacted six members of the public who reported the incident and 12 staff involved in the operation of collecting dead birds.

Seventeen of them are asymptomatic and have been put under medical surveillance, a CHP spokesman said today (January 31).

The 26-year-old driver who had participated in collecting the dead birds on January 29 developed fever and symptoms of upper respiratory infection since January 27. He denied having contacted with the birds during the operation.

Given the fact that the driver developed symptoms two days before the operation, the spokesman noted that the chance of him being infected with avian flu was low.

''However, as a precautionary measure and in order to follow up his condition more closely, the driver has been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital for observation and further investigation,'' he added.

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; and
* 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.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Carcasses of a goose and two ducks tested positive for H5 virus (1/31/2009) [AFCD]

Preliminary testing of a dead goose and two dead ducks found in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 31), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.


The carcasses of a goose and a duck were found and collected on January 29 at a beach near Sha Lo Wan football pitch.

They were highly decomposed when being found.

Today AFCD staff collected another dead duck at the same location. The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the carcasses were found.

This morning AFCD staff conducted inspection of the beach and the nearby villages of Sha Lo Wan Tsuen and Sha Lo Wan San Tsuen. There was no evidence of any backyard poultry being kept there.

AFCD is very concerned about the incident and will continue to monitor the situation. Inspections of the beach and its vicinity will be stepped up. The department is looking into different possibilities of why the goose and duck carcasses were found at the beach, including whether they had been washed ashore or dumped. The spokesman said a ban on backyard poultry has been in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry -chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails ?V is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.

"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) is contacting relevant parties and has put them under medical surveillance. People are advised to consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of 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.

"In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers reminding them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Pet bird shop owners, licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons have also been reminded to take proper precautions," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said that the department would conduct frequent inspections of poultry farms, the wholesale market and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden 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. DH will enhance 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 strictly implement preventive and control measures against avian influenza.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong, China: Notification of a human case of avian flu in Hunan Province (1/31/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) tonight (January 31) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1.


A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 21-year-old farmer living in Xupu, Hunan.

She developed symptoms on January 23. She is now receiving medical treatment. She is in stable condition. She had a history of exposure to dead sick poultry before onset of symptoms.

Laboratory tests on the patient's specimen by Chinese Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention yielded positive to H5N1.

Further investigations on her contact history with poultry before the onset of symptoms are on-going.

The CHP is maintaining close liaison with the 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.
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[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Updated map

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=106484775090296685271.00045fcd12b84ad3ac0d8&ll=22.283934,113.894148&spn=0.151217,0.184708&z=12

[HenryN]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/01310902/H5_HK_Airport.html

[Shiloh]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Source: http://www.hkdailynews.com.hk/news.php?id=24430

Google translation:

Lantau three ducks infected bird carcasses

Hong Kong Daily News inquiry】 【AFCD confirmed that three Sha Lo Wan on Lantau Island seized the bodies of ducks and geese, after a preliminary test, suspected of carrying the H5 bird flu virus is identified for further testing. Center for Health Protection of the 18 people who have had contact with dead birds for medical monitoring, one of the drivers have been involved in action on January 27 from fever and upper respiratory infection symptoms, he denied that during the operation have had contact with dead birds, the Center believes that as a result of The driver involved in action two days before symptoms have begun, I believe his chances of avian flu infection is very low.

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/01...K_Airport.html

Commentary

Dead H5 Confirmed Waterfowl in Hong Kong Raise Concerns
Recombinomics Commentary 20:16
January 31, 2009


Preliminary testing of a dead goose and two dead ducks found in Sha Lo Wan, Lantau has indicated a suspected case of H5 avian influenza, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (January 31), adding that further confirmatory tests were being conducted.

The carcasses of a goose and a duck were found and collected on January 29 at a beach near Sha Lo Wan football pitch.

Today AFCD staff collected another dead duck at the same location. The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the carcasses were found.

The above comments describe lab confirmed H5 in waterfowl in Hong Kong (see updated map). Dead waterfowl that are H5 positive are almost always H5N1 positive. The discovery of these three birds is cause for concern. They were found at a location which is adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport. Moreover, one of the drivers of the cullers has developed symptoms, which he had prior to collection of the birds, raising concerns that he is H1N1 positive, which is likely to be Tamiflu resistant, based on H1N1 circulating in Hong Kong at this time.

He was also likely to have been on prophylactic Tamiflu, as part of the culling team, raising concerns of an H1N1 / H5N1 dual infection leading to Tamiflu resistant H5N1.

More information on the status of the suspect case, and the sequence data of the H5 from the waterfowl, would be useful.

.

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Case of necrotizing fasciitis under investigation (2/2/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 2) received a report of a necrotizing fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 60-year-old man.


The man, living in Kwun Tong, injured his left middle finger when handling a crab on January 25. The finger later became swollen and he was admitted to United Christian Hospital on January 27.

He later underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition. Laboratory tests on pus from his left middle finger yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotizing fasciitis.

A CHP spokesman said necrotizing fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
* Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater or salty water;
* Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
* Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.

Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they developed symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating death of a Hong Kong boy in Kuala Lumpur (2/2/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is liaising with the Malaysian health authority about the cause of a Hong Kong boy's death in Kuala Lumpur, including the possibility that he died of an infectious disease.


A CHP spokesman today (February 2) said that CHP had contacted the deceased boy's relatives in Hong Kong for a history of his illness.

According to the information provided, the six-year-old boy developed fever and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection on January 21 in Hong Kong.

He consulted a private doctor and was given some medications.

He flew to Malaysia on January 25.

The child's illness seemed to have subsided until he experienced knee pain and swelling on January 28.

He was seen by a doctor in Penang on January 29. The boy travelled with his family on flight CX720 from Penang to Hong Kong on the morning of January 31.

During the flight's scheduled transit in Kuala Lumpur, the boy was found to be increasingly unwell and was taken to a medical clinic in Kuala Lumpur.

He passed away a few hours later.

While awaiting confirmation from the Malaysian health authority about the nature of the disease, the spokesman said, ''As a precautionary measure, the CHP is contacting the child's family and will follow up on travel companions having close contact with the child to assess their health condition, provide health advice and put them under medical surveillance.''

Members of the public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene when travelling abroad:
*Travelling should be avoided if you are having a fever or feeling unwell.
*Keep hands clean at all times. Wash hands with liquid soap after going to the toilet, before meals or handling food, and after touching public installations or equipment.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth; if unavoidable, wash hands before touching them.

If hand washing facilities are not available, clean hands with a disinfectant containing alcohol.

*Have masks handy and put one on if developing symptoms of a respiratory tract infection.
*If you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever and diarrhoea, after the trip, consult a doctor promptly and provide details of recent travel to facilitate accurate diagnosis.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: AFCD continues investigation into discovery of bird carcasses on Lantau (2/2/2009) [AFCD]

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 2) that following the H5 virus test results of a dead goose and two dead ducks last Saturday (January 31), nine more carcasses of birds were collected at Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat Wan, Lantau between February 1 and 2 after a series of inspections around the area, adding that preliminary testing for the H5 virus is being arranged.

The government is very concerned about the incident and has launched a three-pronged investigation on the possible causes of the recent discovery of bird carcasses:

i)to step up inspections to ascertain whether illegal backyard poultry keeping is involved;

ii)to see if prevailing water currents and the weather are factors related to the discovery of the bird carcasses; and iii)to patrol along the waterfront to see if there are further findings of dead birds.

Of the carcasses found these two days, one dead goose was found in Sham Wat yesterday.

AFCD staff also collected a dead Cattle Egret and four dead chickens in Sha Lo Wan, as well as a dead chicken and two dead ducks in Sham Wat Wan today.

AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Checks have been strengthened against illegal keeping of backyard poultry throughout the territory.

The inspections in North Lantau are expected to complete in two days.

So far unauthorised keeping of poultry has not been observed in Sha Lo Wan and Sham Wat Wan.

The spokesman said that as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of an avian influenza outbreak, a ban on backyard poultry keeping has been in force since 2006.

Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry - chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails - is an offence with a maximum fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000.

"Apart from the increased inspections to strictly enforce the ban, leaflets will also be distributed during the inspections and publicity against backyard poultry keeping will be enhanced," the spokesman said.

"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman added.

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.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Nine more dead birds collected on Lantau today (2/3/2009) [AFCD]

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that nine more dead birds were collected in Sham Wat Wan and San Shek Wan, Lantau today (February 3), adding that preliminary tests for the H5 virus are being arranged.


The carcasses found today included one duck, six chickens and two birds of as yet identified species.

Of them, a chicken was collected in Sham Wat Wan and the rest were found in San Shek Wan.

Preliminary results available today showed that the dead Cattle Egret and one of the chickens collected in Sha Lo Wan yesterday (February 2) tested negative for the H5 virus.

As the other bird carcasses were highly decomposed when found, more time is required to confirm the test results.

AFCD staff inspected 28 villages in North Lantau today.

So far no unauthorised keeping of poultry has been observed. Inspections will continue throughout the territory. AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation and investigate into the possible causes of the recent discovery of bird carcasses.

"The public can call 1823 Call Centre for follow up if they come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.

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.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance Updates from Centre of Heath Protection and other govt agencies (January 2009+)

Hong Kong: Update on Hong Kong boy who died in Kuala Lumpur (2/3/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 3) received from the Malaysian health authorities the findings of the post-mortem on the Hong Kong boy who died in Kuala Lumpur on January 31.


The certified cause of death of the boy was septicaemic shock secondary to Group A Streptococcal infection, a spokesman for the CHP said.

Group A Streptococcus is a common human pathogen that causes skin and soft tissue infection, sore throat and other forms of sepsis.

It is transmitted through large respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected patient.

Infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can be treated by antibiotics.

Septicaemic shock is one of the rare and severe complications of Group A Streptococcus infection.

Meanwhile, the CHP has contacted the nine travel companions who had close contact with the child and assessed their health condition.

All of them were asymptomatic.

They have been put under medical surveillance.

Staff of the CHP and Education Bureau today visited the school which the boy attended. No unusual sickness pattern was found in the school. Health advice had been provided to the school's management.
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