Chairman’s Announcement (15 November 2004)

The past few months appear fairly quiet for the University as far as disease outbreaks are concerned.  However, our Task Force remains active and continues to monitor the development of Avian Flu and SARS.  A number of actions have also been taken to ensure all health and hygiene measures are current and effective. 

As we are now approaching the winter seasons and there is the threat of a major influenza outbreak early next year, and the occurrence of Avian Flu in our neighbouring places, we need to update all on campus of the current situation and alert all of the measures to be taken. 

Please re-visit the set of useful guidelines contained in this web page (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/prevention.htm) to refresh the measures that may protect you from falling victim of severe infectious diseases. 

Influenza Outbreak 

It is anticipated that Influenza will reach its peak season in the next few months.  Please refer to http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=en&info_id=29&id=24&pid=9 for information on the nature of Influenza.   

UHS has launched an Influenza Vaccination Programme.  Its main target is those in the high risk group.  These people are staff/students in the health care profession, the elderly individuals and people with chronic illnesses.  Staff who handle birds, poultry and animals are also at high risk.  However others who wish to be protected against Influenza can also book at UHS for the vaccination. 

Traveling Abroad 

I wish to emphasize the need to maintain personal and food hygiene on traveling abroad especially in those places known to have cases of Avian Flu or have Influenza Outbreak.  Avoid contact with live poultry, birds, animals and their droppings when visiting countries where avian influenza was detected.  It has been reported not only chicken, ducks and wild birds, but also a number of tigers in a zoo in a regional country had died of suspected avian flu recently.

You should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live poultry, birds, or animals.  Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating.  People who develop influenza-like illnesses are also urged to seek medical consultations promptly.  They should also reveal their recent travel history to the attending doctors. 

Environmental Hygiene 

The University has established a standing committee to review actions to ensure hygienic conditions of the campus environment.  Its current focus includes hostel infection control measures, canteen hygiene standards and mosquito control strategies. 

Finally, you may have noticed that Task Force still maintains an "Alert Level" signifying that there are confirmed cases in neighbouring locations.  I urge that all units concerned should vigorously observe the action as detailed in the Action Plan of this website (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/alert_action/cur_alert_plan/cur_alert_plan.htm).  

Fresh and additional posters will be put up on campus to remind all of the importance of hand washing and mask wearing.