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+)

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 Hunan (1/19/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 19) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Hunan.


A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 16-year-old boy living in Guizhou Province. He developed symptoms of avian influenza on January 8.

He is now admitted to a Hunan hospital for treatment.

He is in critical condition.

The boy had contact with dead 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+)

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

Hong Kong: CHP gears up flu prevention measures before arrival of flu season (1/19/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is implementing a series of measures before the arrival of the influenza season in order to gear up the community to prevent influenza, Controller of the CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang, said today (January 19).


While current influenza activity has been stable, Dr Tsang said he expected the flu season could arrive some time over the next four weeks. Dr Tsang said five health talks for managements of schools and child care centres on the prevention of influenza were planned by the CHP in collaboration with the Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department.

The first health talk was given today. "An updated guideline on prevention of communicable diseases in schools, kindergartens and child care centres with highlights on hygiene and infection control measures was introduced in the talk.

"School managements have been briefed on the criteria of class suspension when there is a flu outbreak in their schools. They have also been advised to keep parents properly informed about the latest situation," Dr Tsang said.

More health talks of this kind would be delivered in the coming few weeks for schools and other institutions, he noted. The CHP has sent a letter via the Education Bureau reminding schools with significant intake of cross-border students about the importance of regular and thorough disinfection of school buses.

These schools were also asked to remind parents of cross-border children not to send their children with influenza symptoms to attend school under 48 hours after fever has subsided. Dr Tsang said the CHP would publish on its website (www.chp.gov.hk) every weekday starting today the names of schools and other institutions with influenza-like-illness outbreaks reported during the past 24 hours (cut-off time at noon). Other influenza related data and statistics will also be uploaded to inform the community about the latest situation. Dr Tsang said he expected an increase in the number of schools reporting influenza outbreaks as Hong Kong approaches the flu season.

During 2005-07, the highest number of institutional outbreaks of influenza-like-illness reported every week during the flu season was between 10 and 32.

In 2008, the highest weekly number of outbreaks was 106. "Anticipating the arrival of the flu season over the next few weeks, we will enhance publicity on television and radio through Announcements of Public Interest," Dr Tsang said. Noting that influenza can result in complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis and sepsis, Dr Tsang said influenza was also a common cause of hospitalisation among children in Hong Kong. "During the year 2008, about 1,200 children aged 12 years or below were hospitalised in hospitals under the Hospital Authority due to influenza, while the figures for 2007 was about 1,400," he said.

The CHP, the Hospital Authority and private hospitals would maintain a high degree of surveillance on the trend of influenza-related complications in children, he said. Dr Tsang appealed to people who are at higher risk of complications from influenza to get vaccinated against the disease if they have not already done so. So far over 260,000 doses of flu vaccines have been administered to eligible target groups under the current Government Influenza Vaccination Programme (GIVP). It will last as long as the vaccine stock lasts. Meanwhile, some 75,000 doses of flu vaccines have been administered to target children under the new Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (IVSS). Dr Tsang said the vaccine would confer protection against influenza related complications and lead to fewer hospital admissions. "Target groups under the GIVP and IVSS should get vaccinated as soon as possible as the flu season is around the corner," he said.

He advised children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases to consult their doctors for medical advice promptly and take more rest at home if they have influenza-like symptoms.

To prevent influenza, people are also advised to
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
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[Giuseppe]

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

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

Hong Kong: CHP urges vigilance against community-associated MRSA (1/20/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 20) called on people to be vigilant against infection from community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.


The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 44-year-old woman living in Eastern District.

She developed an abscess over her buttock on January 5 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on January 8 for fever. She developed shortness of breath and chest infection on January 10. Her clinical samples grew CA-MRSA. She is currently in the hospital in stable condition.

The CHP's investigations showed that she had visited the Philippines from December 20, 2008, to January 4, 2009. Her household contacts in Hong Kong did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide. In recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections in healthy individuals who have not been hospitalised or stayed in other healthcare facilities or institutions, nor received medical procedures in the past one year prior to onset of symptoms. They are known as CA-MRSA infections and usually have special patterns of antibiotic resistance. It is widely recognised that indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to antibiotics resistance.

Members of the public are advised not to use antibiotics without medical advice. If they are advised by doctors to take antibiotics, they should take the medicine according to the prescribed frequency and dosage.

Members of the public are advised to observe good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently.

For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website: 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+)

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

Hong Kong: 12 Hong Kong Students hospitalised at Chengdu, Sichuan (1/23/2009) [CHP]

"The Immigration Department has learnt that 12 Hong Kong students in Chengdu, Sichuan were feeling unwell and required hospitalisation," a Government's spokesman said today (January 23).


Staff of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chengdu Economic and Trade Office (CDETO) have visited them to see their situation.

The students are members of a group of students and teachers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The group arrived at Chengdu on January 17 and is scheduled to return to Hong Kong via Chongqing today.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has liaised with Chengdu health authority with regard to the medical conditions of the affected students.

The 12 affected students experienced mild flu like symptoms such as sore throat and cough since January 19.

One of them was diagnosed to have chest infection, and is now in stable condition.

They have been admitted to the West China Hospital, Sichuan University.

According to the clinical diagnosis of the attending doctor, the students have ordinary seasonal influenza.

They have not had contact with any poultry.

The relevant Government departments will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities, with a view to providing assistance to the affected students.

The Department of Health will follow up on the medical conditions of the students when they return to Hong Kong.

Furthermore, the other 18 students and their tutors did not experience flu like symptoms.

They will return to Hong Kong later today as scheduled.

Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
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[Giuseppe]

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

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 students returned from Chengdu (1/24/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) said three of the 18 students and the group leader who returned from Chengdu yesterday developed symptoms compatible with influenza infection.

CHP investigation revealed that the four people, comprising two male and two female aged between 18 and 27, developed fever, sore throat, cough and runny nose.

They have been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital in stable condition.

Two of the four specimens taken from them showed positive result for influenza A (H1).

All specimens showed negative result for influenza H5.

The laboratory results showed that they were suffering from ordinary seasonal influenza and not avian influenza H5.

They are among a delegation from the Chinese University of Hong Kong which left for Sichuan on January 17.

The remaining 15 students do not have any symptoms of influenza infection.
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[Giuseppe]

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

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 Xinjiang (1/24/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 24) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.


A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 31-year-old woman living in Urumqi. She developed symptoms on January 10 and passed away on January 23.

The woman had history of exposure at live poultry market 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+)

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

Hong Kong: Remaining HK students returning from Chengdu (1/24/2009) [CHP]

A Government spokesman said today (January 24) that the remaining 12 students and two tutors of a Chinese University delegation have just departed from Chengdu on their way back to Hong Kong.

They are accompanied by a doctor throughout the journey.

The last three students who had been hospitalised in a Chengdu hospital were discharged this morning.

The Department of Health will follow up on the medical conditions of the students and tutors after they have returned to Hong Kong.

Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
-

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[Giuseppe]

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

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 Guizhou (1/25/2009) [CHP]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Ministry of Health (MoH) today (January 25) concerning a confirmed human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Guizhou Province.


A CHP spokesman said the patient was a 29-year-old man living in Guiyang.

He developed symptoms on January 15 and is admitted in a hospital for treatment.

He is in critical condition.

The man had history of exposure at live poultry market 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+)

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

Hong Kong: Report under paediatric surveillance programme (1/25/2009) [CHP]

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said a new report involving a two-year-old boy was received today (January 25) through the paediatric surveillance programme set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.


Initial enquiries revealed that the boy presented with fever on January 17 and sought medical consultation from a private doctor.

The condition of the boy became worse yesterday and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital by ambulance.

He died on the same day.

Further tests will be done to ascertain the cause of his death. The findings will be reported to the coroner.

The boy had no travel history and did not have history of contact with poultry

His family members did not have any similar symptoms.

The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert by taking precautionary hygiene measures against infectious diseases.

They are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

More details of preventive tips are available on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Shiloh]

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

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=23663

Google translation:
Pakistani sudden death two-year-old child with fever

【新報訊】一名住在筲箕灣的巴基斯坦裔兩歲男童發燒，昨日送往東區醫院不治死亡，衛生防護中心說，男童的死因有待進一步化驗才能確定，報告將交死因裁判庭。 There is a pediatrician warned that Hong Kong entered the usual peak season for influenza, during the Lunar New Year, many children will be with his family traveled outside New Year, but the flow-density areas, are vulnerable to the spread of influenza, but also may lead to their own children with influenza-like illnesses condition deteriorated.

The cause of death required further tests

Center for Health Protection said that after receiving a two-year old boy died after the report of fever, the boy was on the 17th of this month with fever symptoms have to see private doctors, the situation deteriorated yesterday, and sent to Eastern Hospital by ambulance, died the same day. CHP said that the boy did not travel history and no contact with poultry, living with his parents and two sisters, do not have any symptoms, the boy's cause of death needs to be further tests, the report will be handed over to the Coroner's Court.
Zhongshan University associate professor of pediatrics Han Jin Lun believes that parents should try to avoid the near future to bring children to crowded places, such as airports and railway stations, or Happy New Year to the Mainland may also be infected with influenza or other infectious virus. China's recent outbreak of avian flu, we need more vigilant and fever should wear a mask if suffering from a serious flu, they should stay at home so as to avoid a deterioration in their conditions.

Has entered the usual peak season for influenza

Hong Kong Director of the Center for infection and infectious diseases al He said that within one month appeared six cases of human infection from the number appears in the Mainland has been a record. Since 2003, appeared the first human infection of avian influenza after a short period of time have never been triggered so many cases.
Although this case seems not directly related, but whether the birds there are changes in the epidemiological, have led to the present situation in the Mainland. Therefore, in the live poultry market in the epidemiological analysis is very important.

 

[Giuseppe]

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

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+)

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+)

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+)

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+)

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+)

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+)

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=U....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+)

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+)

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+)

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

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.

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