Dr. Ko Wing-man SFH
# 8044
While Hong Kong’s CHP has been working feverishly to contain any further spread of the H7N9 virus, media reports indicate that such is not the case in Shenzhen, where Hong Kong’s first patient is suspected of having been infected. According to the following report in the the South China Morning Post, the trade in live poultry continues in that city’s markets.
Travellers to Hong Kong tested for bird flu but it's business as usual in Shenzhen
Health Department sends 40 staff to borders as temperature checks beefed up in wake of H7N9 infection, but Shenzhen wet markets still open
UPDATED : Thursday, 05 December, 2013, 11:50am Emily Tsang and He Huifeng in Shenzhen
Since there is no actual proof that the virus was acquired in Shenzhen, this report indicates that `attitudes towards the virus were more relaxed in the government and media. Sterilisation measures were little used at Shenzhen's markets.’
Another controversy exists over the delay in testing this patient for the H7N9 virus when she first appeared at Tuen Mun Hospital. In a letter sent to local hospitals on December 3rd, the CHP reminded:
In response to the newly confirmed imported case in Hong Kong, we have enhanced surveillance by activating zero reporting with both public and private hospitals. We would like to urge you to pay special attention to those who presented with influenza-like illnesses and had history of visiting wet market with live poultry or contact with poultry in Guangdong Provinceand other affected areas within the incubation period (i.e. 10 days before onset of symptoms).
Today, in brief remarks, Hong Kong’s Secretary of Food & Health (SFH) – Dr. Ko Wing-man – touched on both of these issues.
SFH on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending the 12th Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao today (December 5):
Reporter: (On the source of infection of the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong, and the accusation that Tuen Mun Hospital has delayed in detecting the virus)
Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding the first patient diagnosed as having avian influenza A(H7N9), investigation relating to the epidemiological aspect, especially the source of infection, is still continuing. The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Leung Ting-hung, will give an update later. On the clinical testing of the infection, although there are guidelines for the clinical staff, doctors still have to make clinical judgement considering the individual condition of every patient. In this particular incident, a particular factor which might have affected the judgement of the doctor-in-charge would be the fact that the patient has not disclosed earlier that she went to Shenzhen and had a contact history with poultry.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:30
