Chairman’s Announcement (24 February 2004)

A round of briefing sessions on the nature of Influenza/Avian Flu and Respiratory Tract Infections and the preventive measures on campus has been undertaken by the Campus (SARS/Flu) Task Force and UHS for general staff and students, exchange and postgraduate students, student Health Ambassadors, and staff from EMO, hostels and canteens.  The objectives were to generate awareness of the outbreaks in places around Hong Kong.  The call for vigilance and preparedness was emphasized. 

That Hong Kong currently is still free from SARS, Influenza outbreaks or a case of Avian Flu is not a cause for complacency.  In the main it is the outcome of the concerted efforts of all citizens, health care providers, and public health experts.  There remain a number of threats which could compromise such efforts, and the university community should maintain their alertness. 

The Task Force and UHS wish that all university staff and students are fully aware of the current situation, the need to upkeep personal and environmental hygiene practice, and have your share in cooperating with the university in carrying out the preventive strategies. 

You are also advised of the recent information from the Department of Health for the week 8-14 February 2004 that there were 12 confirmed influenza outbreaks in schools affecting more than 150 persons in the corresponding week.  The Department warned that the influenza season in Hong Kong has likely arrived and a high activity of influenza is expected in the coming weeks.  Influenza vaccination is an appropriate preventive action especially for the high-risk groups.  Vaccination service is available at UHS for staff, dependants and students.  Please also visit website http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/global.htm for the current global situation on Avian Flu.

Chairman’s Announcement (16 February 2004)

Advice to International Travellers

Despite that some country are currently experiencing outbreaks of Avian Flu (H5N1) infection in poultry flocks, and that some have also reported cases in humans, WHO does not at present recommend any restrictions on travel to any country.

International travellers to areas experiencing outbreaks of Avian Flu infection should avoid contact with live animal markets and poultry farms.  Large amounts of the virus are known to be excreted in the droppings from infected birds.  Please also refer to the set of guidelines on this webpage.

 To date, outbreaks in poultry caused by the H5N1 strain have been confirmed in the following countries:

• Cambodia
• China (Guangxi; Hubei; Hunan; Guangdong; Yunnan; Anhui; Jiangxi; Shaanxi; Gansu; Henan; Zhejiang; Xinjiang; Shanghai and Tianjin)
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Korea
• Laos
• Thailand (with Human Influenza A infection)
• Vietnam (with Human Influenza A infection)
• Taiwan (H5N2)
• Pakistan (H7)
• United States (Delaware; New Jersey) (H7N2)

There is no vaccine for Avian Flu in human.  Influenza vaccination will not protect humans from infection with avian H5N1, but it minimizes the risk of co-infection and genetic reassortment of human and avian influenza viruses in humans.  For more details, please refer to the Special Information on Flu and Avian Flu on this website.

The University Health Service provides influenza vaccination service at cost of $60 at the clinic to University staff, dependants and students.  Please visit the UHS webite.

Chairman’s Announcements (10 February 2004) 

The Task Force held a meeting on 9 February and would like to report the following: 

1.          Since December last year, four cases of SARS were reported in Guangdong.  All patients had been recovered and discharged from hospital.  The source of infection of these cases is still being investigated. 

2.          In the light of the current outbreak of avian flu in many Asian countries, the Task Force is keeping a close watch on the development of bird flu, as well as SARS in neighbouring regions and locally in Hong Kong.  Avian flu is transmitted from infected birds to people.  Currently there is no vaccine for preventing avian flu in people.  University Health Service (UHS) has prepared an overview on influenza and avian flu.  Please take a look. 

3.          To reflect the expanded scope of responsibility, the name of the Task Force will be changed to “CUHK Campus (SARS/Flu) Task Force”.  The following measures are being taken to prevent an outbreak of influenza and avian flu on campus: 

·        Forums on Avian Flu: 

·        The ducks which inhabited the Weiyuan Lake (未圓湖) at Chung Chi College are now being confined to a designated area of the pond to keep them away from people.  Signage has been posted near the lake to urge people not to feed the ducks and birds.  The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has been contacted to provide vaccine to inoculate the ducks.  

·        The Laboratory Animal Services Centre is monitoring closely the health condition of its poultry and other animals.  They will keep the Task Force informed of any change of the health status of the animals. 

·        EMO cleaning staff is taking extra precautions in handling and cleaning bird droppings on campus area.  They have received influenza vaccination, and will wear gloves and masks for personal protection.  In case birds are found dead on campus, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will be notified to collect the carcass.  

·        The canteen inspection teams are conducting weekly inspection to all canteens on campus to ensure the strict compliance with food and environmental hygiene.  Cleaning of high usage toilets in campus has been stepped up to 2 times daily. 

·        The operation of the Special Purpose Residence has been extended till end of May 2004.  This facility is to provide an alternative accommodation for hostel-resident students who are ill and are recommended by UHS physicians to temporarily stay away from other people as an infection control measure.  If they experience difficulty returning home, UHS physicians will advise them to move to the Special Purpose Residence for observation. 

·        A video clip on demonstration of proper hand washing produced by the Department of Health is added to the Tips on Hand Washing.  When done correctly, hand washing is one of the effective ways to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.    

Chairman’s Announcements (7 Feb 2004)

Avian Flu Forum

As fear of H5N1 spreads across Asia, the Campus SARS Task Force also monitors the current and local situation of the epidemic. An open forum invites a specialist from the Department of Microbiology to address the issue and try to separate rumour from reality. A chance for you to ask your queries and will be explained by the experts.

All staff and students are invited to join this forum. Details are: