H7N9 Awareness Campaign Summer 2013 - Photo credit Hong Kong’s CHP
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Hong Kong’s CHP continues to provide daily progress reports on their epidemiological investigation into that city’s first H7N9 case. So far, the news continues to be good. Despite 17 close contacts in isolation - and roughly 220 additional contacts under medical surveillance - none have tested positive for the H7N9 virus.
Meanwhile, hospitals have ramped up their infection control protocols, extensive public education campaigns are underway, and border control points (BCPs) are scanning incoming visitors for signs of fever or illness (an imprecise, but commonly employed control measure).
While none of these steps are guaranteed to keep the H7N9 virus at bay forever, they are about as fine of an example of a proactive public health response as one could hope for. Hong Kong’s dedication to avian flu drills, planning, and constant vigilance (see Hong Kong: Avian Influenza Drill) appears to be paying huge dividends.
As winter sets in and more H7N9 cases begin to emerge in Eastern China, one shouldn’t be too surprised to see this virus hitch a ride in another traveler, perhaps showing up outside of China. Hopefully public health agencies around the world are watching Hong Kong’s response, and taking notes.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 5) provided an update on the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.
"The epidemiological investigation, enhanced disease surveillance, port health measures and health education are proceeding," a spokesman for the DH remarked.
As of 2pm today, no additional close contacts have been identified. The number of close contacts located remains at 17 while there are over 220 other contacts. Details are as follows:
(A) 17 close contacts remain under quarantine for 10 days since their last contact with the patient. Their specimens tested negative for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP. During isolation, if their health conditions change, further testing and surveillance will be conducted. They include:
1. Ten home contacts (including four with non-specific symptoms);
2. A female collateral aged 33, who visited Shenzhen with the patient; and
3. Six patients in Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient (including one with non-specific symptoms).(B) Over 220 other contacts, including two private doctors whom the patient consulted, their clinic staff, patients and accompanying relatives, healthcare workers (HCWs) of TMH, Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) and the ambulance service, and relevant hospital visitors, are all under medical surveillance. Among them:
1. A patient who consulted Dr Wong Chun-yan and presented with non-specific symptoms tested negative for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus; and
2. Twelve HCWs of TMH and QMH who presented with non-specific symptoms tested negative for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is underway. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.
"All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices," the spokesman said.
The Port Health Office of the DH is maintaining liaison with the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to stay alert for travellers and also cross-boundary students with fever or other symptoms. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation.
Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, the distribution of health education pamphlets, display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.
"We have enhanced our publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. Meanwhile, consulates, foreign domestic helpers' associations and non-governmental organisations serving ethnic minorities have been notified of the case, the latest developments and the preventive measures. Health educational materials are being distributed through them," the spokesman added.
An array of key publicity materials of the CHP, including those on avian influenza, influenza, guidelines for proper hand washing and personal and environmental hygiene in various languages including Indonesian, Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai and Tagalog, can be accessed in the CHP's website (
www.chp.gov.hk/en/submenu/424.html).The CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries and operates from 9am to 6pm. As of 4pm today, 57 calls had been received.
"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas," the spokesman advised.
he spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:* 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 such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask 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 its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2013
