Chairman’s Announcement (14 April 2005)

The Department of Health advises the public to remain vigilant against influenza even though consultation rates for Influenza-like-illness have not increased further in the last week.  In our University Health Centre, the number of patients suffering from Upper Respiratory Infection has also dropped down by 15 - 20% as compared with the last two weeks.  The consultation rate of the respiratory tract infection still stands at a relatively high level. Staff and students are reminded to observe personal and environmental hygiene to prevent influenza and other respiratory diseases.  Please visit the website for information on Mask Policy at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/mask_policy.htm.  Influenza vaccine is also available in the Health Centre for those who have not been immunized this year and would like to boost up their immunity against the Influenza viruses.

As there were several reports of human infection of avian influenza in Vietnam and Thailand last month, we should be vigilant against avian influenza when travelling to these countries and avoid contact with live poultry and eat only well cooked poultry and eggs.