Chairman’s Announcement (12 April 2006)

The WHO has confirmed 192 cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in 9 countries, and 48 cases were confirmed this year. There are 109 deaths.  However, there is no evidence of efficient human to human transmission of the virus.

In Hong Kong, 17 local birds were confirmed this year to have died of H5N1 avian influenza.  The latest one was a Peregrine Falcon found in Tin Shui Wai three weeks ago.

As there are on and off cases of H5N1 found in animals and flocks in Asia, Europe and Africa, member of the university are reminded when travelling during the Easter holidays, to stay away from flocks and eat only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs.