The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health notified on 13 August 2004 the occurrence of three fatal cases of Avian Flu human cases in Vietnam. These came after the reports that new outbreaks have been occurring in poultry populations in Vietnam since July this year. Avian influenza has been known to infect humans from infected poultry since 1997. Man-to-man transmission remains inefficient and rare.
The Task Force has stepped up its Alert Action Plan to the Alert Level and relevant Departments and Units are reminded to be vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures.
UHS urges that patients attending the clinic, especially those who had recently travelled to areas where avian flu was detected, to complete a questionnaire for the information of your attending doctor.
The Task Force advises everybody should maintain good personal hygiene, wear masks when you have respiratory symptoms, consult doctors if you are unwell and maintain a clean environment by following the guidelines on this website.
Staff and students who are planning to travel to Vietnam are advised (a) to avoid direct contact with live poultry/birds; (b) to wash hands thoroughly after contact with live poultry/birds, and (c) to seek early medical attention by visiting the clinic if you have fever and Influenza like illness especially if you have recent travel history to Vietnam and have been exposed to poultry.
The Task Force with UHS will continue to monitor the development of the situation overseas and locally. We will update you of any later changes in the situation.