Photo Credit – FAO
# 6025
There is probably no place on earth that responds to the bird flu threat as promptly and as solidly as does Hong Kong. They have a long history with the virus, starting in 1997 with the first 18 human cases (six of which were fatal), and took extraordinary measures at that time to halt the outbreak.
Hong Kong also bore the brunt of the SARS outbreak in 2003, seeing more than 1,700 cases (with nearly 300 fatalities).
As one of the most densely populated places on earth (population 7 million +), Hong Kong authorities are mindful of how quickly an infectious disease could spread.
Accordingly, they have built an enviable surveillance and response system.
The recent discovery of a dead chicken positive for the H5N1 virus at a Wholesale Poultry Market has led to a major cull of poultry and the raising of avian flu alert level to `serious’.
There are no reports of human infection from the H5N1 virus, but authorities are stepping up surveillance just the same. The following statement from the Centre for Health Protection helps to illustrate just how seriously they view the threat of avian influenza.
21 December 2011
CHP enhances surveillance on human influenza A(H5N1) infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has enhanced its surveillance on human influenza A (H5N1) infection after the Government has raised the response level for avian influenza from "Alert" to "Serious" as a chicken carcass sample taken from the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market (Wholesale Poultry Market) was tested positive of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.
A telephone hotline 2125 1111 has been set up to answer public enquiries today from 9am to 6pm.
CHP is carrying out medical surveillance of poultry wholesalers and workers in in the Wholesale Poultry Market as well as local chicken farmers to follow up on their health condition.
At the moment, there is no human case of avian influenza infection in Hong Kong. DH and the Hospital Authority (HA) have enhanced the work on testing of human infection of avian influenza. Particular attention will be paid to those who visited or worked in the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market.
A spokesman for the CHP has called on members of the public to seek medical treatment immediately if they develop symptoms of high fever or influenza-like illness. Public and private hospitals as well as clinics should report to CHP immediately when there is any suspected case of avian influenza.
The CHP has written to all medical practitioners alerting them of the latest development and has liaised closely with HA to step up surveillance. The department has also sent letters to institutions, elderly homes and schools to remind them to be vigilant against avian influenza.
The spokesman reminded 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 contact is made, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
*Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating;
*Wash hands frequently;
*Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
*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, consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.For further information on avian influenza, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, December 21, 2011
