Chairman’s Announcement (30 December 2005)

 A factory worker in Fujian has become China's third confirmed human death from avian flu in December this year.

 The countries with avian flu cases are as follows (from 1 December up to 17 December 2005):

 羅馬尼亞 Romania (H5)

烏克蘭 Ukraine (H5)

土耳其 Turkey (H5N1)

克羅地亞 Croatia (H5N1)

俄羅斯 Russia (H5N1)

泰國 Thailand (H5N1 human case, patient dead)

印尼 Indonesia (H5N1 human case, patient dead)

中國 China :

福建 Fujian (H5N1 human case, patient developed symptoms on 6 Dec and died on 21 Dec)

江西 Jiangxi (H5 and H5N1 human case)

廣西 Guangxi (H5N1 human case)

遼寧 Liaoning (H5N1 human case)

For detail information, please refer to the website of the Centre for Health Protection (衞生防護中心):

Chinese: http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/chi/index.htm

English: http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/index.htm

During the New Year holidays, staff and students, when travelling abroad, are reminded to stay away from poultry, and eat poultry meat and egg that are thoroughly cooked.  After returning from countries with avian flu outbreaks, consult a doctor if fever and symptoms of respiratory tract diseases develop.  Inform the doctor about the recent travel history.  Wear a mask to prevent spreading the diseases to others.

Have a happy and prosperous new year!

Chairman’s Announcement (19 December 2005)

A Flu Vaccine Programme will be organized by the University Health Service in early January 2006 on Thursday, Jan 5, and Friday, Jan 6.  All staff and students who have not been immunized in September to December this year are welcome to join the vaccination.  No pre-registration is needed. Please refer to the Announcement for details (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/flu_vac_060105.htm).

'Health Declaration Form' is applicable for overseas traveling at the present 'alert level' and for all residents of Colleges and Hostels after returning after the Christmas Holidays.  The form can be obtained from the college office or at www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/health_declaration.pdf   

Non-local students with valid students' visa or Hong Kong identity cards are charged as 'eligible persons' for treatment and services in Public Hospitals.  Details of the charges can be obtained from the Health Authority's Information Officer at 23006836 or the PWH's Account Office at 26322419.

Chairman’s Announcement (8 December 2005)

In the past month, the Estates Management Office has been carrying out a number of measures to improve the environmental hygiene on campus.  These include:

• Install hand disinfection facility in the main entrance lobbies of buildings.

• Provide toilet seat cleaning agent dispensers at the entrance of toilets.

• Enhance the cleaning schedule of toilets.

• Accelerate the installation of auto-tap for most wash rooms.

• Enhance inspections and repair of drainage pipe works.

• Enhance cleaning of bird droppings and handling of bird carcasses.

• Clean and disinfect rubbish collection points once every day.

The Chung Chi College Canteen Management Committee is testing a biodegradable bird repellent “Bird Shield” to repel birds from nesting, loafing and roosting around the Chung Chi College Student Canteen.  Bird Shield is environmentally friendly and harmless to birds. It gives a grape-like odor which irritates the birds so they do not want to be around.  Bird Shield will be painted on the outdoor furniture and some of the gutter areas at the CCC Student Canteen, and signage will be put up to notify users where it is applied.  The University Safety and Environment Office will monitor the effectiveness of the use of repellent.

Chairman’s Announcement (28 November 2005)

The Task Force’s website has taken on a brand new look.  The announcements, guidelines and notices are classified into three categories for easier reference: Important Information, Notices and Guidelines, and Student Information.  The Campus Pandemic and Avian Flu Alert and Action Plan is displayed in the centre of the new webpage showing prominently the current alert level of avian flu on the campus.  Measures to be taken by various offices, units and Colleges will be updated constantly in this Alert and Action Plan.  Two new posters to promote good personal hygiene and prevention of avian flu are in the process of printing and will be distributed to offices for posting soon. 

The newly posted items on the Task Force’s website also include: -   Presentations at the Avian Flu talks -   Video clip “Avian Flu” (Chinese version only, for viewing via CUHK Intranet)   -   Medical Screening for Avian Flu in UHS -   Herbal Decoctions for the Prevention and Treatment of Influenza (provided by the School of Chinese Medicine, CUHK, for reference)

The Centre for Health Protection has prepared a list of useful guidelines for health professional and the general public on prevention of avian flu.  Please check them out on the Influenza Page of the CHP website.

Chairman's Announcement (22 November 2005)

The forthcoming talk on avian flu organized by the CUHK Campus (SARS/Avian Flu) Task Force to keep staff and students informed of the latest knowledge and preventive measures of the disease will be held on 25 Nov 2005.  A briefing session for Mainland students is also arranged to be held on 26 Nov 2005.

Talk on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu/Influenza

Date:                25 Nov 2005 (Friday)
Time:                5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Venue:              T Y Wong Hall, 5/F, Ho Sin-Hang Engineering Building
Speakers:          Prof Paul Chan (Microbiology Dept), Dr T F Lo (UHS), Mr S K Lam (USEO)

Language:         Chinese

Briefing for Mainland Students

Date:                 26 Nov 2005 (Saturday)

Time:                10:30 am - 12 noon

Venue:              LT4, Esther Lee Building

Speakers:          Representatives of UHS and USEO

Language:         Putonghua

Chairman's Announcement (21 November 2005)

Following the reports of two human cases of avian influenza in Hunan and Anhui, the Department of Health has re-activated temperature screening for incoming travellers at Lowu and Lok Ma Chau border control check points.  This arrangement will also be implemented at other immigration control points at later stages.  Please visit the website of Centre for Health Protection on the announcement on Temperature Screening arrangements http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=4679. 

To safeguard the health of fellow students and staff, the Task Force recommends all staff and students to observe the Guidelines for Travelling on outgoing trips and returning Hong Kong from abroad.  Useful travel advice can also be obtained on the website of Hong Kong Travel Health Service of the Department of Health. 

Antiviral drugs are useful to reduce morbidity and mortality when a pandemic occurs.  With increased interest on the antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, the University Health Service has prepared information on the Use of Antivirals for Pandemic Influenza.  Antiviral drugs are doctor-prescribed medications.  The Food and Drug Administration of United States is closely monitoring the side effects of the Tamiflu.

Please keep updated on the website of Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health for latest development of avian influenza, and also on the Task Force website for latest news on campus.

Chairman's Announcement (17 November 2005)

The Talks on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu/Influenza held in the past 2 weeks were well attended by over 1,000 attendees.  The forthcoming talk will be held on 25 Nov 2005, details as follows:

All students and staff are welcome!

In view of the large number of students living in hostels, the Task Force will organize focus group meeting with hostel wardens and student representatives on preventive measures of Avian Flu at student hostels.  As there have been reports of avian flu outbreaks in a number of provinces in Mainland, the Task Force is also planning to hold a focus group meeting with Mainland students, many of whom will return home during term break.

Professor Liang Songming of School of Chinese Medicine has kindly provided several herbal decoctions for the prevention and treatment of influenza for reference.  It can be accessed via http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/herbal_decoction.pdf on our website.

Chairman's Announcement (10 November 2005)

The Talks on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu/Influenza conducted on 1, 7, 8 and 9 Nov 2005 were well attended by colleagues, with over 1,000 attendees.  With the kind permission of the speakers, the powerpoint presentations at the Talks have been posted on the “Special Information and Talks on Flu/Avian Flu” on the Task Force website.  Those who were not able to attend the forum are welcome to go through these posted presentations.

Talk on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu/Influenza

• Prof Paul Chan, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine [PDF]

• Dr T F Lo, University Health Service [PDF]

• Mr S K Lam, University Safety & Environment Office [PDF]

Two more Talks will be held on 15 Nov at 1pm to 2pm and on 25 Nov at 5:30pm to 6:30pm, at T Y Wong Hall, 5/F, Ho Sin-Hang Engineering Building.

Please also refer to the Government’s advice for the public on seasonal influenza, avian influenza and influenza pandemic produced by the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, which can be accessed on the Centre for Health Protection website.

A specially-designed banner has been put up on the CUHK homepage to provide easy access to the Task Force website.  Please keep updated on our website.

Chairman's Announcement (8 November 2005)

At its meeting held on 1 Nov 2005, the Task Force resolved to change its name to “CUHK Campus (SARS/Avian Flu) Task Force” to reflect its role in advising the University, staff and students on preventive measures against Avian Flu. 

 Our action on campus to date

 A.    General Advice

• The Task Force advises everybody should maintain good personal hygiene, wear masks when you have respiratory symptoms, consult doctors if you are unwell and maintain a clean environment.  

• Avian flu is transmitted from infected birds to people.  Currently there is no vaccine for preventing avian flu in people.  Avoid contact with live birds or poultry and their droppings.  If you have been in contact with live birds and poultry, immediately wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water. 

• Refer regularly to the websites of the Task Force and the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, for useful information, guidelines and health advice.

B.     Communications

• Talks and briefing sessions on avian flu/influenza are being organized for various groups of staff and student audience.  The upcoming talks are:

• Mrs. Pauline Kan of University Health Service (UHS) is serving as the Information Coordinator to follow up on fever or infected cases and to update the university community on the latest development on influenza.

• Information on the nature and prevention of Influenza and Avian Influenza is posted on the Task Force website. 

C.    UHS Action

• UHS continues to screen questionnaires of all hostel resident students returning from abroad. 

• All patients attending UHS with respiratory tract infections will be requested to have their temperature screened and to indicate their history of recent travel.

• UHS maintains an appropriate stock of masks, PPE, and treatment medication to prepare for any massive increase of influenza cases.

• UHS provides influenza vaccination to students, staff and dependents, and schedules free vaccination for those belonging to the high risk groups. 

D.    UHS & Other Units

• UHS and University Safety & Environment Office (USEO) contacted the Biology, Anatomy Departments, the Laboratory Animal Services Centre to monitor the poultry that they may be keeping.

• Estates Management Office (EMO) arranged for putting up signage to advise visitors not to feed or contact the birds and ducks at Weiyuan Lake (未圓湖).  USEO contracted the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to provide vaccine to inoculate the ducks.

• USEO and EMO provided guidelines to its staff in handling birds, feathers and droppings, and carcasses.

• UHS and Business Office inspect all university canteens to ensure environmental hygiene.

• USEO conducted testing on the stock of surgical masks kept at the Business Office to ensure their efficiency.

E.     Campus (SARS/Avian Flu) Task Force

• The Task Force will continue to monitor the situation overseas, in Hong Kong as well as on campus, keep all in the university informed, and update all prevention and control strategies.

Chairman's Announcement (27 October 2005)

Talks on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu / Influenza and Influenza Vaccination Programme

In view of the recent outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu in poultry across countries, there is growing concerns over the threat of a potential human influenza pandemic.  The World Health Organization has called for countries to get prepared.  The HKSAR Department of Health has activated the Alert Response Level of its three-level response plan, signifying the identification of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry outside Hong Kong or confirmation of human cases of avian influenza outside Hong Kong.  Our Campus (SARS/Flu) Alert and Action Plan is also currently at the Alert Level.  All preventive measures under the Alert Level are in force on campus.  Please refer to the Influenza Outbreak and Influenza Pandemic Action Plan for more details.

The Campus (SARS/Flu) Task Force will activate two key actions:

(I)    Talks on Pandemic Preparation for Avian Flu / Influenza 

The talks will brief participants on the latest information regarding the influenza, the potential Influenza Pandemic, the action taken by the Government and the University as well as individual responsibilities.

(II)   Influenza Vaccination

Influenza vaccination is one of the effective means in preventing ‘ordinary influenza’ and its complications.  University Health Service schedules to provide free vaccination to staff and students belonging to a specific high risk group.  It also organizes mass vaccination campaign for other non-high risk groups of people at cost.  The next round of influenza vaccination campaign will be held on November 10-11, 2005 at University Health Service.  A session for medical students will be held on November 4, 2005 at Madam S H Ho Hostel.  The vaccination programme will continue for as long as stock is available.  For more details, please contact Mrs Pauline Kan of UHS at 2609 6436 or visit the website of the University Health Service.

Chairman’s Announcement (24 October 2005)

INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND INFLUENZA PANDEMIC

ACTION PLAN

Influenza is a highly infectious viral disease.  It is caused by various types of influenza viral strains.  New subtype variants of the virus appear from time to time and at irregular intervals.  This is responsible for seasonal outbreaks.  In Hong Kong, the disease is more common in periods from January to March and from July to August.

At the same time, local and overseas health experts have sounded a grave concern with the potential occurrence of an Influenza Pandemic.  (A pandemic exists when a new virus has caused illness at epidemic levels involving the population of more than one country.)  The threat is becoming more apparent in recent times with the occurrence of cases of both poultry and human avian influenza.  116 human cases were affected in 2004/05 with 60 deaths.  These cases occurred in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. 

The periodic and seasonal influenza outbreaks arise as a result of minor genetic changes in the influenza viruses.  For healthy individuals, this ‘ordinary influenza’ or human influenza (e.g. H3N2 and H1N1) is usually self-limiting with recovery in 2 to 7 days.  However, Influenza Pandemic emerges as a result of major genetic changes in the influenza viruses against which the population have very little or no immunity.  When people are concurrently infected with human and avian influenza virus strains (e.g. H5N1 and H9N2), they may serve as the ‘mixing vessel’ for the emergence of a novel subtype of virus having sufficient human influenza genes to facilitate transmission from person to person and this is one possible way leading to influenza pandemic.  At time of the pandemic, more than 15% of the world population may be affected and the mortality rate is estimated to be about 50%.

The Department of Health has put in place a strategic plan in readiness for the occurrence of the pandemic.  An alert system has been devised to initiate actions at different stages of the pandemic.  Currently, the system is at the Alert Response level (or Yellow Alert) signifying the identification of human cases outside of Hong Kong.  To enhance the preparedness of the local community, it recommends a series of action to build up general awareness and to provide guidelines for everybody for personal hygiene, as well as a range of preventive measures.

In light of the above, the CUHK Campus (SARS/Flu) Task Force (the Task Force) has reviewed the current situation of Influenza and stepped up actions to prepare for the Influenza Outbreak and Pandemic.  The Task Force draws reference to the action plans of the Government to supplement and reinforce their action on campus.  It encourages of University community to step up personal and environmental hygiene action and introduces preventive and other specific measures as follows:

1. The Task Force will continuously monitor the development of influenza outbreaks and coordinate action through Colleges/Departments/Units; obtain expert advice from Government and microbiologists; acquire and allocate resources; issue guidelines; and advise University activities such as examinations and classes at times of major outbreak/pandemic.

2. Public information and awareness enhancement through various channels; and face-to-face forums with all staff and student groups.

3. Medical surveillance: the Task Force and UHS to keep track of government action; patient records; infected cases and contact tracing.

4. Public preparedness: use of mask and its supply; hand washing skills; droplet precautions; thermometer use; issuing of guidelines; training; and communication.

5. Prevention: vaccination programme; antiviral drug stockpiling; and environmental hygiene.

6. Treatment service at UHS: UHS referral protocol; triaging system; UHS internal service contingency plan; stockpiling of treatment medication including antiviral drugs and PPE; laboratory readiness; deployment of health care staffing; and liaison with hospitals and Department of Health.

INFLUENZA VACCINATION

Influenza vaccination is one of the effective means in preventing ‘ordinary influenza’ and its complications.  The Hong Kong Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommended 8 target groups for influenza vaccination:

• Elderly persons living in residential care homes

• Long-stay residents of institutions for the disabled

• Elderly persons aged 65 years or above

• Persons with chronic illnesses (those with chronic cardiovascular, lung, metabolic or renal disease)

• Health care workers

• Poultry workers

• Children aged 6 to 23 months

• Pregnant women in the second or third trimester

The seasonal influenza vaccine is ineffective against the new virus that can trigger off the pandemic.  When an Influenza Pandemic occurs, a new vaccine will need to be developed to match the pandemic virus strain.  The new vaccine for pandemic strains needs at least a few months to prepare and the limited production capacity is unlikely to meet the global demand.

Antiviral drugs (Oseltamirvir [Tamifluâ], and Zanamivir [Relenzaâ]) can also be used for treatment and prophylaxis for ‘ordinary influenza’.  The drugs need to be prescribed by doctors.  During an Influenza Pandemic period, the drugs may be used for treating the patients. 

Members of the University community, staff and students are advised to refer regularly to the Task Force’s website which can be located at the CUHK homepage.  The website contains useful information on the updated position in regard to outbreaks or the pandemic, and to guidelines of personal and University action at different stages of development of the disease. 

UHS has introduced Influenza vaccination programme since September 2005.  Staff and students are invited to come to UHS or consult their own doctor for the vaccination.  Public announcement including posters are made regularly to invite all who wish to receive the vaccine, especially those belonging to the high risk group to come to UHS.  The vaccination programme will continue until April 2006.

A series of talks and briefing sessions are being organised for various groups of staff and student audience.  The presentation will brief participants of the latest information regarding the influenza, the potential Influenza Pandemic, the action taken by the Government and the University as well as individual responsibilities.  The date and venue for the briefing session will be announced shortly.  For enquiries, please contact Mrs Pauline Kan of UHS at number 2609 6436.

Chairman’s Announcement (14 October 2005)

WHO and many world health specialists are convinced that the Influenza/Avian Influenza pandemic is approaching.  Many governments and health professionals have started to plan ahead for the pandemic in order to minimize serious illness and overall deaths as well as societal disruption among citizens.  Hong Kong Government has devised measures for a coordinated approach on preparedness for Influenza Pandemic (http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=en&info_id=2267).  Priorities have been set up, with vaccine, antiviral and relevant items being stocked.

The Campus SARS/Flu Task Force is planning to organize a series of actions to prepare for the Flu pandemic.  Informative forums will be conducted to different groups of staff and students.  The University Health Service gives free Influenza vaccination to high risk group and organizes monthly mass vaccination campaigns for staff and students.  The upcoming vaccination campaign will be held on 13th & 14th October, and also on 10th & 11th November in the Health Centre.  For details, please visit the website of the University Health Service.

Chairman’s Announcement (18 July 2005)

Be prepared for Influenza and Avian Influenza

WHO sent a team of international experts to Vietnam last month and reported that although there is no laboratory evidence suggesting that the H5N1 virus is spreading readily among humans, but the current level of pandemic alert since January 2004 remains unchanged.  The most recently detected case of human avian influenza was reported in Vietnam in early June 2005.  From January to 13 July 2005, there were 64 confirmed human cases of Avian Influenza with 22 deaths (4 in Cambodia and 18 in Vietnam).

Various types of influenza viral strains can cause Influenza.  The consultation rates for Influenza-like-illness locally in the Government OPD and private practitioners are still on the high aspect (11.4 per 1,000 consultation and 84.8 per 1,000 consultation respectively).  Members of the university are reminded to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent the infection.  The new strain of Influenza vaccine will be available in early September this year.  The new strains this year are Type A New Caledonia (H1N1), Type A California (H3N2) and Type B Shanghai.  Vaccination campaign will be held on Sept 22 and 23.  Details will be announced when the vaccines arrive.

Dengue Fever

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has warned that the ovitrap indices in June has risen sharply which means the increasing of Aedes Albopictus activities and we are vulnerable to the threat of dengue fever.

The highest district ovitrap indices (39.2%) were found in Taipo North, which is adjacent to our university.  Tightening control on mosquito breeding is the most effective way to guard against dengue fever.  The University Safety and Environment Office has placed 12 insect traps in the campus in the last two months, both indoor and outdoor to collect and study the quantity and different kinds of mosquito lava.  Three studies have been analyzed that part of the samples collected were found to be Aedes Albopictus which can cause Dengue Fever.

The Estate Management Office, together with the Environmental Hygiene of the Safety Advisory Committee have mounted special operations to clean up the environment and remove mosquito breeding grounds.  For details, please visit the UHS webpage at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/news1.html

Chairman’s Announcement (12 May 2005) 

We should stay alert and step up anti-mosquito efforts against the mosquito-borne vectors.  The monthly ovitrap index (Aedes Albopictus) has risen in April in 18 districts. Japanese Encephalitis vectors were collected in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Sai Kung and North District.  Staff and students are reminded to take effective measures to prevent mosquito breeding by removing breeding grounds. Measures include scrubbing vases and plant saucers and properly disposing of containers. Inform the EMO for clearing up drains and removing stagnant water in any defective ground surfaces. 

For information regarding the ovitrap indices and anti-mosquito measures, please visit the website of the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department http://www.fehd.gov.hk/indexe.html.

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.

Chairman’s Announcement (23 March 2005) 

Hong Kong has entered the peak season for influenza in the last two weeks.  There was increasing number of patients with influenza-like symptoms attending the A & E Department of the public hospitals.  In our University Health Service, we also recorded that the number of staff and students attending the Health Centre with Upper Respiratory Infection and Influenza-like diseases had also increased by 30%.  Staff and students should remain vigilant that influenza is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain and other respiratory symptoms.  

The best way to prevent influenza is to improve body resistance by healthy lifestyle and avoid going to crowded area with poor ventilation.  Remember to wear mask if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing, sore throat and running nose, to protect yourself from further secondary infection and also to avoid spreading the virus to others.  Properly dispose the nasal and mouth discharges and wash hand frequently.   Please visit the website for information on the Mask Policy at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/sars_and_flu/mask_policy.htm.  Vaccination for Influenza is available at the Health Centre for those who haven't been immunized this year.  The cost is $60. 

For people who are suffering from influenza should take adequate rest, drink of fluid and consume nutritious food.  Influenza is usually self-limiting with recovery in two to seven days.  If severe symptoms persist like chest pain, wheezing or shortness of breath, you are urged to seek medical attention for further treatment and investigation. 

Chairman’s Announcement (12 March 2005)

Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak season as the sentinel surveillance networks among medical practitioners detected an increase of influenza-like illness in the community. There were eleven institutions confirmed influenza outbreaks in March.  Majority of the Influenza virus found in the specimen contain H3N2 California type of virus.  The University Health Service keeps stock of the Influenza Vaccine which contains H3N2 Fujian that is believed can protect against the California Type.  For those who have not been immunized can contact the Health Service for the vaccination.  Staff and students are reminded to build up good body resistance and avoid going to crowded places with poor ventilation. 

The number of human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Asia since December 2003 has been ongoing mostly in Vietnam and Thailand.  There are 69 cases with 46 fatalities.  From January this year, Vietnam has 24 cases with 13 deaths.  Please be reminded to stay away from chicken and birds when visiting these countries and make sure that the chicken and eggs are well cooked before consumption.

Chairman’s Announcement (1 March 2005) 

In Vietnam, a 69-year-old man died of Avian Influenza, making the total number of deaths to 14 since January this year. Another three people are hospitalized and confirmed as Influenza A (H5N1). Two of them are related as brother and sister. 

As of February 28, 2005, there have been cases of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Vietnam (40), Thailand (17) and Cambodia (1) resulting in 45 deaths. When visiting these countries, students and staff are reminded to stay away from poultry and make sure that the chickens are well cooked before consumption.  For more information about H5N1 infections in human, please visit the CHP website http://www.info.gov.hk/info/flu/eng/global.htm.

Chairman’s Announcement (23 February 2005) 

Influenza Outbreak 

More patients are being seen at the University Health Service (UHS) for Flu-Like-Illness and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in recent weeks.  The increasing trend is noted since mid-November last year when about 80 to 110 such patients are seen per day.  During the first half of January 2005, the number shot up to over 130 a day.  Since mid-January till recently, there was a slight drop to about 110 a day in the average.  There is no evidence of any outbreak of influenza on campus.  The majority of patients who attended suffered mild forms of the illness.  The above picture corresponds generally with the picture presented in the Government influenza surveillance activities.   

Since September 2004, UHS had offered vaccination service to over 1500 persons.  UHS will organize further campaigns for others on 23/2/05, 10-11/3/05 & 7-8/4/05. 

Staff and students are urged to continue to observe the precautionary measures issued previously on prevention of respiratory illnesses.  These measures focus on personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, vaccination, seeking medical advice when feeling unwell and take extra health precaution when traveling abroad. 

Chairman’s Announcement (16 February 2005) 

The Department of Health on 15 Feb 2005 confirmed an imported case of malaria occurring in Hong Kong.  The patient travelled to Guinea in Africa since 21 Nov 2004, and returned to Hong Kong on 10 Feb 2005 with symptoms of fever, malaise and neck pain.  So far in Hong Kong this year, there were 4 cases of malaria, all imported. 

The Department of Health cautions that we should stay alert to the threat of malaria and take measures to avoid mosquito bites: 

            install mosquito screens and mosquito nets.

            use insect repellents over exposed parts of the body.

            wear long sleeved clothes and long trousers when going out.

           when travelling to areas where malaria is common, consult a doctor (or Mrs. Pauline Kan of UHS, Tel: 2609-6436, Email: pauline-kan@cuhk.edu.hk) two to three weeks beforehand for preventive measures and medication if necessary. 

Anyone feeling unwell during their visits abroad or after returning from their trip should consult a doctor as soon as possible and provide details of their travel to the doctor. 

Chairman’s Announcement (2 February 2005)  

There are 258 Bacterial Meningitis with 16 deaths in Mainland China since January this year. Most of the cases have been reported from Jiangsu and Anhui. Guangdong has 11 cases with 2 death cases.  

The presentation of meningococcal infection is sudden onset of fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. It is transmitted by direct and droplets contact. The bacteria could enter into the blood stream and cause meningococcaemia. Early stage can be treated by antibiotics effectively. The incubation period is from 2 to 10 days. 

Travellers going to high risk areas are reminded to practice good personal hygiene and wash hands properly. Avoid going to crowded areas. The University Health Service has limited vaccines for people travelling to the high risk areas. Orders have been placed for more vaccines and it is expected to arrive in two to three weeks' time. 

For more information, please refer to the Hong Kong Travellers’ Health Service website: www.info.gov.hk/trhealth/e_HKTHS.htm.

Chairman’s Announcement (1 February 2005) 

Meningococcal Meningitis

Hong Kong is seeking more information from the mainland on the outbreak of Bacterial Meningitis which kills 16 people in six weeks. The latest cases are mainly in Jiangsu and Anhui province. Guangdong has reported eleven cases.  The symptoms of the disease are stiff neck, high fever, sensitive to bright light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. There were four cases of Meningococcal infection reported in Hong Kong last year.  The University Health Service can provide vaccine for those who are going to high risk areas at cost price. 

Influenza Pandemic Preparation

Influenza pandemic are sudden and unpredictable events. The government has prepared a contingency plan for the pandemic which match the WHO's guideline for the pandemic planning. The plan envisages three response levels: Alert, Serious and Emergency.

Alert Response Level : 

(1)    Confirmation of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in poultry outside Hong Kong or in wild or imported birds.

(2)    Confirmation of human cases of Avian Influenza outside Hong Kong. 

Serious Response Level:

(1)    Confirmation of HPAI poultry outbreak in HK and the strain is known as human health impact.

(2)    Confirmation of human Avian Influenza in Hong Kong without evident of human to human transmission. 

Emergency Response Level :

(1)    Confirm efficient human to human transmission in Hong Kong.

(2)    Pandemic Influenza in Hong Kong. 

Up to now, Bird Flu has killed 44 people since 2004, 32 in Vietnam and 12 in Thailand. Recently, a Cambodian woman might be the first person in Cambodia found to be infected by the H5N1 virus. 

Travellers going to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia are reminded to stay away from farms and bird markets and to minimize the exposure to birds and uncooked poultry. Make sure the poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw poultry and eggs. 

If you have symptoms such as fever, difficulty in breathing or coughing, seek prompt medical attention.  The Campus SARS/Flu Task Force has established corresponding contingency plan for the preparation for the Flu/Avian Flu outbreak. 

The University Health Service is organizing a Vaccination Day for Influenza on February 23 (Wed). Those who have not yet been immunized this year can come for the vaccine at cost price. 

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.