Chairman’s Announcement (27 January 2005)

Under the routine food surveillance programme, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had recently identified one chilled geese sample contained a minute level of H5 virus. The re-test was done with negative result. Avian influenza virus can only survive and multiply in live poultry, but not in carcasses. At present, Hong Kong does not import any live ducks and geese.

In view of the development of Avian Flu in the Southeast Asia, members of the University are reminded not to get too close to birds and chicken. Wash hands thoroughly after touching live birds or handling poultry meat. Remember we are in the Alert level and the hospitals are at a yellow alert level also.

A suspected case of human-to-human transmission during care by family member which occurred in Viet Nam in early January is being investigated by the World Health Organization (WHO Update on 26 Jan 2005: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2005_01_26/en/).

Influenza Vaccination Campaigns on campus have been conducted every month from September 2004 to January 2005. There will be another one on February 23 (Wed) to be held on the 1/F of the Health Education Room in the Health Centre for those who have not been immunized and would like to have the vaccination. The peak season for the Influenza is between January to March.

Under the sponsorship of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Professor Dennis Lo of the Department of Chemical Pathology has acquired the High Throughput Genomic Technology in SARS and biomedical research. By using Mass Spectrometry for detection of SARS serum RNA, 3,000 samples can be done in a day. The test can also be used for selective genetic association studies, such as cancer, genetics of common diseases and pre-natal diagnosis.

Chairman’s Announcement (10 January 2005) 

A boy was suspected to have died of Avian Influenza in Vietnam on 5 January 2005.  The Department of Health is maintaining close liaison with relevant health authorities to obtain the latest information and has taken preventive measures at the airport and alerted all local doctors about the avian flu cases in Vietnam. 

Members of the University, when going to Vietnam, are advised to avoid contact with poultry and birds.  If there is any influenza-like illnesses developed, do seek medical consultations promptly.  They should also reveal their recent travel history to the attending doctors. 

Yellow Alert has been activated by the Hospital Authority on 7 January 2005.  All patients and visitors are requested to observe the infection control measures at hospitals.  The Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection have stepped up their monitoring and surveillance efforts against Avian Influenza.  The University Health Service has also set up contingency plan for Influenza outbreak. 

Influenza Vaccination date has been scheduled on 12 & 13 January 2005 (Wed & Thu) at the University Health Service. 

Chairman’s Announcement (3 January 2005)

Advice for travellers who visit affected areas of Tsunami and Earthquake in Asia 

The Indonesian earthquake and the Asian tsunami have led to the death toll of 150,000 reported in countries included Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives and even some countries in Africa.  

Traveller going to these areas should be prepared for the after shocks and outbreaks of infectious diseases and observe the following issues :

1.     Food and water

Only consume boiled water and cooked food as the sources of water and food in the affected areas may be contaminated.  If boiling is not feasible, chemical disinfection with iodine or use tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets is an alternative method.  Filters can only provide various degrees of protection against micro-organisms. 

2.     Accommodation

Stay in accommodation that is safe and secure.  Beware of hanging objects and stay away from buildings that have been damaged.

3.     Clothing

Wear long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites which could be endemic in malaria and dengue fever. Use insect repellent containing DEET and mosquito nets. 

4.     Vaccination and prophylaxis

Common travel-related infectious disease can be prevented by vaccines and prophylactic medications such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Malaria.  

5.     Emergency Contact

Bring along a list of emergency numbers such as local emergency numbers and airlines.  Travellers outside Hong Kong can dial IDD at 8103-1717 for health information.

6.     Observe own safety and health

Bring travelling medication packs and seek local medical advice when fever, diarrhoea developed.  If symptoms develop within one month after coming back to Hong Kong, please consult medical advice and inform of the past travel history.