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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 5) provided an update on the sixth confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting an 18-month-old girl.
"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, 13 close contacts and 120 other contacts have been identified.
The close contacts included relevant household members of the patient, and patients and two visitors who had stayed in the same room with the patient in Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). Among them, two are symptomatic and one of them tested positive for Influenza A (H1) virus while the other tested negative for Influenza A virus. For the remaining 11 close contacts, six of them tested negative for Influenza A virus while the results for the others are pending. They are now under quarantine.
Other contacts included relevant health-care workers, visitors, immigration staff at Lo Wu, and the doctor and patients of the private clinic which the patient consulted on February 28. Among them, two are symptomatic and one of them tested negative for Influenza A virus while the result for the other is pending. They are all under medical surveillance.
"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 urged.
"All boundary control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of 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.
Regarding health education for travellers, 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 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 doctors. 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 192 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/Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:55
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