HK CHP Expands Criteria For Investigating Suspected Pneumonia Cases From Wuhan

Photo Credit - HK Gov

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Earlier today, in  Wuhan Health Commission: Pneumonia Cases Increase To 44, 11 Severe, we saw the first official update from Wuhan City,  China in 4 days. We also saw a statement from Hong Kong's Hospital Authority indicating they had quarantined, and were testing, two more suspected cases with recent travel history to Wuhan City.

While all known cases have thus far been linked to the South China seafood market, today Hong Kong's CHP has announced an expanded criteria for investigating possible imported cases.

First an excerpt from today's CHP update, after which I'll have details on the letter sent out today to doctors on these changes.

CHP provides latest information on cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan

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In response to the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, the CHP has enhanced surveillance since December 31 last year. Taking into consideration of the latest situation, the CHP has revised the criteria for surveillance today to widen the scope.

Doctors are requested to report to the CHP if they encounter patients with fever and acute respiratory symptoms, or pneumonia symptoms; and who had visited Wuhan (regardless of whether they have visited wet markets or seafood markets there) within 14 days prior to the onset of the illness.

The CHP will continue to maintain close liaison with the NHC and closely monitor the latest development of cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan. The CHP will timely update the surveillance criteria and testing strategies in accordance with the latest situation. A dedicated webpage (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html) has also been set up to provide relevant information and health advice. To address the public's concern, the CHP will announce the details of cases reported under enhanced surveillance (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/enhanced_sur_pneumonia_wuhan_eng.pdf) on the above webpage daily to enhance transparency.

Given that we don't yet know the source of exposure for the 44 known cases, it makes a good deal of sense to cast a wider net.

Screen shots (and a link) to today's letter follow:

The (above) letter also has a reporting form attached.