Chairman's Announcement (26 Jul 2007)

Students and staff when engaged in outdoor activities are advised to take protective measures to prevent heatstroke and sunburn during hot and humid weather. Heat stroke is an emergency that can be fatal if not promptly treated. Our body usually dissipates heat by radiation of heat through skin or evaporation of sweat. In extreme heat with high humidity or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat. Also, dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dispel heat and cause the body temperature to rise.

Chairman's Announcement (25 Jun 2007)

The hot weather and wet season leads to favourable mosquito breeding. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department revealed on 21 June 2007 that the monthly average ovitrap index for May had risen to 15.1%, from 7.6% in April 2007. All the 38 areas surveyed last month recorded positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 2% to 31.5%.12 areas had their readings fallen into the alert zone of 20% to 40%.

The ovitrap indices help to monitor the breeding of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector for dengue fever transmission. The Government reminds us to maintain proper anti-mosquito measures to enhance environmental hygiene conditions and to eliminate existing and potential mosquito-breeding grounds, keeping the drains free from blockages and preventing accumulation of water.

We need to stay alert to the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases and to take the following precautionary measures when visiting areas in Southeast Asia affected by mosquito-borne diseases during the summer holidays:

• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;
  
• Use insect repellent on exposed parts of the body when going out; and
  
• Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

The University Safety and Environment Office continues to monitor the situation in our campus and keeps in close liaison with the Estate Management Office in the anti-mosquito procedures. In particular, the construction sites in the University have been under constant surveillance.

Estates Management Office (EMO) has installed anti-mosquitoes devices on campus and schedules are in place to spray insecticide by EMO to prepare for the new school term. Joint efforts by EMO and Security Office are also made in anti-mosquito arrangement by providing repellent accordingly.

Work is in progress for ventilation in high turnover lavatories. A total of 381 lavatories in academic buildings have been upgraded by EMO with hygiene equipments such as: hand dryers; ventilation fans; exhaust fans; auto tap and motion sensors. The University Safety and Environment Office continues to monitor the effectiveness and stock of masks and disinfectant on campus.

Proper hygiene and safety measures, guidelines and non-Smoking campus are to be enforced by hostels, Colleges, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Academic Links and different units on campus.

Staff and students are advised to seek medical advice and inform the doctor of their travel history if you have symptoms including high fever, severe headache or muscle and joint pain when coming back from these areas.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has also reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection, in view of outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection in a pre-school centre for children with intellectual disability and of an influenza-like illness in a kindergarten.

To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, please take note of the following measures:

• To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
  
• To maintain good ventilation; and
  To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.

Information and health advice on dengue fever and influenza is available from the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).

Chairman's Announcement (28 May 2007)

China's Ministry of Health confirmed a human case of bird flu last week.  A 19-year-old soldier in the People's Liberation Army is now receiving treatment at an army hospital.  Tests by the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention on May 18 showed he was infected with H5N1 bird flu virus.

China has reported a total of 25 human bird flu cases since 2003, with 15 deaths.  Bird flu H5N1 virus continues to spread in Asian countries including Vietnam and Pakistan last week, with hundreds of flocks being slaughtered.  Staff and students are reminded to stay away from chickens and eat only thoroughly cooked eggs and poultry when travelling abroad.

Chairman's Announcement (10 May 2007)

First-Aid Courses for Staff

The University Health Service and the University Safety Office will jointly organize two 5-day First-Aid classes for staff in June and July this year. The successful participants will be awarded a First-Aid Certificate which is valid for three years as qualified first-aider and they will have to serve as first-aider in the campus. The course is free-of-charge (including course fee, books and other training materials). Staff has to be nominated by the department head. For details, please refer to http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/news/memo_firstaid2007.html.

A two-day Refresher First-Aid course in July and August will be organized for staff with a First-Aid Certificate and whose certificate will be expired in the next few months. Nomination by department is also required. For details, please refer to http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/news/memo_refresher2007.html.

Chairman's Announcement (27 March 2007)

A human bird flu was reported on 18 March 2007 in Egypt, bringing 27 human cases in the country.  The patient is a three-year-old girl who had contact with infected poultry and developed fever and flu symptoms. She is in stable condition after the antiviral drug.  H5N1 continues to attack the poultry in Vietnam, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.  Preventive measures were carried out accordingly.

Locally, H9N2 virus was found from a nine-month-old girl who developed respiratory infection. She is currently in stable condition and readmitted to PMH for observation.  Investigation is conducted to determine the source of infection.

Up to now, the WHO has confirmed 281 human avian flu cases with 169 deaths.  Avian Flu is transmitted from infected live birds/poultry.  Staff and students are reminded to avoid contact with live birds/poultry and their droppings.  Eat only well cooked poultry and eggs. The best protection is by building good body resistance by healthy life style, exercise and balanced diet.  Let your doctor know your travel history if you have symptoms after the trip.

Chairman's Announcement (20 March 2007)

Launching Ceremony of Walking Campaign

To encourage walking on campus, the University's Campus Development Office and Estates Management Office designed a pedestrian trail which is both scenic and convenient.  The trail serves as a green option for school bus commuters where school bus is the primary means of transport on campus.

A Launching Ceremony was held on 16th March 2007 to introduce the walking trail to staff and students, and to arouse awareness of the importance of daily exercise.  The Launching Ceremony was officiated by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jack Cheng, Dean of Medicine Prof. T. F. Fok and the esteemed Emeritus Professor of Community Medicine Prof. S. H. Lee.  More than 400 staff and students joined this event which was very encouraging.  Participants were given souvenirs including a pedometer for tracking steps, a green T-shirt, bottled water as well as a turning wheel with information of walking and calories burned.  Finally, healthy refreshments were provided at the end point in the New Asia Concourse for all participants.

Feedback from participants was very positive and they all found it both convenient and pleasurable walking along this pedestrian trail.  Walking is suitable for people of all ages.  It is easy and healthy.  Let’s make it an enjoyable part of our life.

Link: Highlights of the Walking Campaign, 16 March 2007

Chairman's Announcement (13 February 2007)

In the last two weeks, there were fatal human cases of avian flu in Indonesia, Egypt and Nigeria. A woman died on 11 Feb 2007, making Indonesia's overall toll to 64 fatalities, the highest nation in the world. So far, there are 272 human cases with 166 fatal. Most of them are proved to have close contact with either infected birds or family members.

Bird Flu continues to hit the farms in Asia, Africa and Europe. As precautionary measure, one should check out the traveling guidelines (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/guidelines_for_travel.html) on what to do before going on and after returning from trips, especially to countries affected by bird flu. More travel tips can also be found at www.travelhealth.gov.hk/

May I take this opportunity to wish you a prosperous and healthy Year of the Pig.

Chairman's Announcement (2 February 2007)

Talk “Smoking and You (吸煙全面睇)”

Under the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005 effective from 1 January, smoking is prohibited in the entire university campus (including indoor and outdoor areas), with the exception of limited staff quarters.  To publicize the No Smoking message across to the university community, and to encourage smokers to quit smoking, a series of talks “Smoking and You (吸煙全面睇)” has been arranged as follows:

Details can be viewed at www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/news/nosmoking.html

On-line Registration: http://perntc.per.cuhk.edu.hk/personnel/crsreg/crslist.asp

Walking for Health

To encourage walking on our beautiful campus, the Campus Development Office and Estates Management Office have designed a pedestrian trail which is both scenic and convenient (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/greencampus/en/letsgo/walking.pdf).  The pedestrian trail spans through beautiful spots of Chung Chi College, University Mall to Cheng Ming Building of New Asia College.  A launching ceremony will be held on 16 March 2007 at 10:30am at the entrance of the KCR University Station.  All staff and students are encouraged to join the ceremony and start this good practice.

Chairman's Announcement (23 January 2007)

This month, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has tested more than 1,000 birds and five dead birds had H5N1 virus which indicated that the disease remains a threat in the community.  A government inter-departmental meeting was held yesterday to monitor the trend of the H5N1 within our bird population to ensure it would not be in contact with human or poultry.

The latest human case of avian influenza infection was reported in Indonesia on Jan 12, 2007.  The patient, a 22 year-old woman, developed symptoms on Jan 3 and remains in hospital.  Investigation found that she had exposure to dead chickens prior to symptom onset.  Another confirmed case was reported in Anhui Province, China.  The patient was discharged on Jan 6.  Information on possible exposure to diseased birds is not presently available, but investigation is under way.  Staff and students are reminded to stay away from wild birds and poultry.  Eat only thoroughly cooked eggs and poultry.  Report to the Security Unit (Tel: 2609 7999) when dead bird is found in the campus.

Up to the present, global statistics of human avian influenza are 267 with 161 fatal cases.

Chairman's Announcement (27 December 2006)

From 1 January 2007, after the implementation of the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill, the whole university campus (both indoor and outdoor) will be designated as a no smoking area with the exception of staff quarters.  Various departments will work together to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, students and visitors.  The Director of Security and Transport Office will act as Manager under the ordinance to be in charge of the control of no smoking areas on campus.  Further details of the implementation will be posted in the webpage.  A series of talks on the No Smoking to familiarize students and staff will be conducted with the first one scheduled on 5 February 2007 for all senior staff at Cho Yiu Conference Hall.  A website on NO smoking can be viewed at the UHS webpage at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/smokefree/index_eng.html.

The CHPP is pleased to support the launching of a walking campaign in our beautiful campus in collaboration with a number of departments and units with an effort to promote a walking culture campaign.  The launching of the campaign will be held on 3 February 2007.  Details will be announced later.

Starting from 1 January 2007, the opening hours of the University Health Service will be changed (please refer to http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/5dw/en/officehour/pdf/e204.pdf for details).  Limited medical outpatient service is maintained on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon during the period from 1 January to 30 June 2007.  Only walk-in and semi-urgent cases are entertained.

It is the winter peak for norovirus infections.  Norovirus is a common cause of sporadic acute gastroenteritis and food poisoning.  Oysters and other bivalves often cause norovirus infections.  Extra care should be taken when consuming raw fish, sashimi and raw oysters.  As the virus mutated each year leading to the emergence of two variants, most people have no immunity to the new variants which could result in a global outbreak.

The Avian Flu's current level is the Alert Response Level.  Three members of a family in Egypt had tested positive for H5N1 on 24 December 2006.  The family raised ducks and the brother and sister had slaughtered the flock after a number of ducks had become sick and died.  Up till now, the WHO figures showed a total of 258 Human Avian Flu cases, with 154 fatal.  The necessary precautions should continue to be exercised.

Chairman's Announcement (15 November 2006)

Indonesia has confirmed two additional cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza virus.  One of them is a 35-year-old female who developed symptoms on 7 Nov and is still hospitalized.  Her source of exposure is currently under investigation.  The other one is a 30-month-old boy who developed symptoms on 5 Nov.  He died on 13 Nov.  An initial investigation of his exposure source found that there had been reports of chicken deaths near his home days before symptom onset. Of the 74 cases confirmed in Indonesia, 56 were fatal.  Up to date, there are a total of 258 human avian influenza cases, with 153 deaths.

Influenza vaccination is one of the effective means in preventing ordinary influenza and its complications.  The inactivated influenza vaccination includes the following three items for 2006 season: A/New Caledonia (H1N1); A/Wisconsin (H3N2); and B/Malaysia. Frequent mutation of the genes encoding the surface glycoprotein, especially for influenza A virus, leads to the emergence of new subtypes that are responsible for epidemics or pandemics.

The University Health Service is offering Influenza Vaccination at cost price of $75 per dose to all students, staff and dependents on 16 & 17 Nov 2006 (Thursday & Friday). For details, please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/news/fluvac_cam_061116.html

Chairman's Announcement (4 October 2006)

There have been a number of food poisoning cases reported in Hong Kong in the past few months, and investigations are being undertaken by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health.

The University Health Service is closely monitoring any associated cases on the food-borne diseases.  So far, there is no connection of the gastroenteritis cases with the University canteens.  Staff and students are reminded to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases in accordance to the measures recommended by the CHP.

1. Patronise licensed food premises with good reputation;

2. Do not consume food that has been discoloured or tastes abnormal;

3. The elderly, children and people with low immunity should avoid consuming raw and cold foods and high-risk items such as oysters, sashimi, sushi and salads;

4. Wash hands thoroughly before getting food and eating them; and

5. Use separate utensils such as tongs and plates provided by the food premises to handle raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.

Please report any suspected cases to Mrs. Pauline Kan, Health Education Officer of the University Health Service on extension 6436.

Chairman's Announcement (4 September 2006)

To:  All Staff and Students

As Chairman of the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection, I would like to express my warmest welcome to all of you in the new academic year.  The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection provides latest information and preventive measures on infectious diseases and other promotional activities in the campus.  The events and guidelines on infectious diseases can also be viewed at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/health_promote_protect/.

The risks of influenza and avian flu pandemic still exist.  Influenza vaccination is one of the preventive measures to prevent influenza.  A vaccination campaign will be held on 21 and 22 September at the University Health Centre.  All students, staff and their dependents are welcome to join.  The price of the vaccination is $75 per dose. For detail information, please call at 2609-6428 or visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/fluvac_cam_060921.htm.

Dengue fever cases in Guangdong rose to 194 up to 31 August 2006.  It is essential to stay alert to the threat of Dengue fever.  To avoid mosquito bites, people should:

-         Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers;

-         Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots;

-         Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks;

-         Keep all drains free from blockage;

-         Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers; and

-         Use insect repellent on the exposed parts of the body.

Anyone feeling unwell after returning from trips should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor.

For those who reside in hostel, please fill in the Health Declaration Form if you have any fever or symptoms of respiratory diseases.

The University Health Service is recruiting students to become Health Ambassadors in the coming year.  The programme provides training and opportunity for conducting activities with students in all disciplines and different Colleges.  For details, please visit the University Health Service's website at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/menu.html.

Chairman's Announcement (17 August 2006)

Staff and students are reminded to stay vigilant to prevent Avian Influenza as there have been reports of H5N1 infection in the nearby regions from time to time.  An outbreak of H5N1 strain of bird flu has killed 1,805 ducks on a farm in Hunan, prompting officials to slaughter 217,000 ducks to halt the infections.  Hong Kong has suspended the import of poultry from Hunan Province since October 2005 when the first outbreak of Avian Influenza occurred in Hunan.

A 62-year-old man in Xinjiang who died in July was confirmed to be the 21st case of human infection in China with H5N1 virus.  Initial tests were negative.  As a precautionary measure, tests were repeated and eventually produced positive results on 14 August.