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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 9) that CHP is following up a recent report by the United Kingdom (UK) concerning four cases of hepatitis E infection among four male passengers on a round-the-world cruise.
According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the UK, the cruise took place from January 7 to March 28. The passenger capacity of the cruise ship was 1,800. Passengers were mainly from the UK but also included nationals from the USA, Australia, South Africa, Denmark and Ireland.
The cruise vessel called at Hong Kong on February 26 and 27. During its stay, some 250 passengers disembarked while some 180 passengers, including two Hong Kong people, embarked.
The spokesman said, "We understand the HPA has been working closely with the cruise ship operator and port health authority to distribute relevant health advice to all passengers."
"CHP is in close contact with the HPA to obtain further details about the cases.
"Members of the public who have been on board the vessel are advised to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms suggestive of viral hepatitis," the spokesman said.
Hepatitis E is a viral infection that is highly endemic in Central and South East Asia, and North and West Africa, as well as Mexico. It is acquired by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Its incubation period ranges from two weeks to two months before symptoms appear. Symptoms include fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice.
There were 33, 34 and 64 cases of hepatitis E infection reported to the CHP in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. So far this year, CHP has received 25 reports of hepatitis E infection.
To prevent hepatitis E infection, the spokesman advised members of the public to practise good personal and food hygiene and to make sure seafood, especially shellfish, is cooked thoroughly before consumption.
Ends/Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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