Chairman’s Announcement (13 February 2007)

The Lunar New Year is approaching.  For those who plan to return to the Mainland or travel abroad during the holiday, one should increase awareness on the prevention of avian flu and other food-borne diseases during traveling.

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.htm 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.

Chairman’s Announcement (27 July 2006)

H5N1

A 17-year-old man had been confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in Thailand. The patient developed symptoms on 15 July, was hospitalized on 20 July and died on 24 July.

Since 2006, the WHO confirmed a total of 88 cases worldwide, including: 8 cases (5 deaths) in Azerbaijan, 2 cases (2 deaths) in Cambodia, 11 cases (7 deaths) in China, 1 case (0 death) in Djibouti, 14 cases (6 deaths) in Egypt, 37 cases (31 deaths) in Indonesia, 2 cases (2 deaths) in Iraq, 1 case (1 death) in Thailand and 12 cases (4 deaths) in Turkey.

Domestic cats may be widely susceptible to infection with the avian flu H5N1 virus, according to scientists who reported the virus in two dead cats in northern Iraq.

Staff and students are reminded to stay away from chickens when traveling to China and South East Asia.  Eat only thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs.

Beware of Hot Weather

We need to maintain the optimal body temperature within safe limits.  In this hot climate, we need to beware of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion include giddiness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath and mental confusion.  When the body temperature reaches 41°C or higher, there will be convulsion or unconsciousness, indicative of heat stroke, which can be fatal.  The obese, sick, old and young are more easily affected.  The body temperature must be brought down immediately and emergency medical intervention given, or else life will be in great danger.

Precautions:

1.          Maintain good ventilation.

2.          Avoid vigorous exercise in a hot or stuffy environment.

3.          Protect from direct sunlight, wear a hat or use umbrella while going outdoors.

4.          Drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration, especially when performing physical activities.

5.          Seek medical attention if feeling unwell.

Chairman’s Announcement (5 July 2006)

In view of the recent spate of noroviral gastroenteritis outbreaks in public hospitals and elderly homes, the Committee would like to remind members of the University to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene practices, especially the importance of good handwashing practice.  Here is some information and useful links on prevention of Noroviruses:

Noroviruses (also known as Norwalk-like viruses or small round structured viruses SRSVs) cause acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea).

Persons can acquire the infection from:

1. Food or water contaminated by infected food handlers or at its source e.g. shellfish.

2. Person to person spread occurs via direct and indirect contact with faeces and vomitus.

3. Contaminated environment (e.g. toilet, swimming pool) can be a major source of outbreak.

4. Aerosol from contaminated environment or projectile vomiting.

After exposure to the virus, there will be an incubation period of 24-48 hours before symptoms occurs, which includes:

1. Vomiting (predominant early symptom)

2. Abdominal pain

3. Watery diarrhea

4. Fever (low-grade, not present in all cases)

5. Dehydration (may occur in young children or elderly)

6. The illnesses usually last for 1-2 days without chronic sequel

Special notes:

1. Norovirus is highly infectious.

2. Persons become infectious from symptom onset and may last for 2 weeks after recovery.

3. Control on personal hygiene of infected persons, and thorough environmental cleansing (e.g. household bleach (5.25%) diluted in 1:49 water) are the keys to prevent secondary spread.

4. University hostels and areas with high human density are at risk for norovirus outbreak.

5. Students and staff should be alert for symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, and prompt for advice from University Health Clinic.

 Useful links:

(English version)

“Norwalk-like Viruses Infection” issued by Centre for Health Protection
http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=en&info_id=33&id=24&pid=9

“Territory-wide efforts to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis” issued by Centre for Health Protection
http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=7045

“CHP keeps close watch on noroviral gastroenteritis” issued by Centre for Health Protection
http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=7018

(Chinese version)

諾沃克類病毒感染
http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=tc&info_id=33&id=24&pid=9

全港性措施防範諾沃克病毒引致的腸胃炎
http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=tc&info_id=7045

�壎籵嬝@中心密切監察諾沃克病毒引致的腸胃炎
http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=tc&info_id=7018

Chairman’s Announcement (16 June 2006)

Avian Flu

The first human case of H5N1 avian flu in Shenzhen was confirmed yesterday.  The patient was a 31-year-old driver.  He had been to wet market where live poultry were sold before developing symptoms.  The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau had announced the following plans for such case: 

• The supply of live poultry, day-old chicks and pet birds from Guangdong Province will be suspended for 21 days with effect from the following day upon the receipt of confirmation.

• Public hospitals should report to the authority's e-Flu system all patients fulfilling the case definition of having pneumonia (all types) of unidentified etiology and who had travelled in the seven days before the onset of symptoms, to affected areas/countries with confirmed human cases of avian influenza infection in the past six months.

In addition, a 7-year-old girl in Indonesia who died last month was confirmed with H5N1 avian influenza.  This is the 50th case confirmed to date in Indonesia, 38 have been fatal.  Staff and students are reminded to stay away from poultry when travelling to China and South East Asia.  Eat only thoroughly cooked chicken and eggs. 

Mosquito Prevention

Due to the geographical location of the campus, the mosquito has already been a nuisance to the university community and can even spread diseases like Dengue Fever.  The Estates Management Office has the following maintenance measures taken from January to May which covers the whole Residential Areas, UC Campus, NAC Campus and half of the Central Areas on campus.  The scope of works includes :

1. Clear fallen leaves & rubbish on channels & catch-pits.

2. Evacuate water & fill the voids with soil & compaction.

3. Fill & compact concrete to the bottoms of sand pits at slope toes to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water.

4. Spray Insecticide Cypermethrin 12% EC to spots at where likely accumulate stagnant water & to weep holes with trace of water.

5. Spray of insecticide has been applied to most of the landscaping areas.

Members of the university are reminded to take the following precautionary measures at all times to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and avoid mosquito bites:

1. Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with cover.

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

3. Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks.

4. Inform the EMO if the drains are choked and ask them to top up all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.

Reminder to Soccer Fans

Soccer fans are reminded to stay health-conscious while watching World Cup games. A few health tips such as:

• Avoid fatty and sugary snacks (e.g. potato chips, candy bars, buttered popcorn).

• Drink plenty of water or plain tea (without added sugar). 

• Sip your drink slowly and do not gulp.  Don't get into rounds during publicity.

• Ensure good ventilation. 

• Stretch yourself and move around while watching the soccer match. 

• Strike a balance between watching matches and fulfilling your social role.

Update of Health Promotion Activities

• A seminar of Update of Hypertension by Prof. K.S. Woo is scheduled on 19 June 2006 (Monday).  For details, please refer to http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/highBp.htm.

• Three Certificate Classes on First Aid is undergoing from June to August this year.  A refresher course will be held in July.

Chairman’s Announcement (2 June 2006)

The Centre on Health Protection has released new guidelines regarding avian influenza and/or influenza pandemic preparedness and they are now available at the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) under the section Recommendations (http://www.chp.gov.hk/submenu.asp?id=11&pid=&lang=en).  Please note one guideline is on Management of Avian Influenza in University Hostels  (http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/grp_Avian_Flu_U_hostels_en_20060523.pdf).

With the cooperation of various units/departments, the Committee has drawn up a contingency plan for preparation of Avian Influenza in university hostel confinement before Hong Kong enters into the pandemic stage.  The action plan can be found under Important Notices on our website (contingency_plan_hostel.pdf).

As of 31 May 2006, there are 224 human avian flu cases, with 127 fatal.  The Minister of Health in Indonesia confirmed six cases of human infection with H5N1 Avian influenza virus on 29 May.  Three of these cases were fatal.  Based on an assessment of present evidence, WHO has concluded that the current level of pandemic alert is appropriate and does not need to change.  The level of pandemic alert remains at phase 3 which means there is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person.

Chairman’s Announcement (16 May 2006)

Health Protection :

Food authorities in Hong Kong are keeping a close surveillance on the imported eggs as there was a report on the sudden deaths of 30,000 chickens in a key farm in Dalian, Liaoning Province.  There are concerns that some eggs from this farm which might have been infected with the bird flu virus may have been imported to Hong Kong.  Please be reminded that the poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Wash your hands carefully after handling eggs and chickens. 

WHO announced that a fifth member of an Indonesian family had died of bird flu.  The other four died from the disease early last week.  In all, eight members of the family in Tanah Karo village on Sumatra were suspected of having contracted the virulent H5N1 bird flu virus.  WHO has confirmed 208 cases (115 deaths) of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus in 10 countries.  So far, there is no evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus.        Since 2006, 17 local birds were confirmed to have died of H5N1 avian influenza.  The latest case was a Peregrine Falcon found in Tin Shui Wai on 21 March 2006.  All human contacts remained asymptomatic.

Health Promotion Activities :

-    Three First Aid Classes and one Refresher Course have been arranged for all staff, with nomination by their department from May to August 2006.  These    courses are jointly organised by University Health Service, Safety Office and Hong Kong Red Cross.

-    Seminar on Update of Immunization (CME accreditation seminar) has been arranged on 17 May 2006.  For details please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/child.htm

-    Seminar on how to cope with Insomnia by Dr. C.N. Chen will be scheduled on 24 May 2006 (CME accreditation seminar). For details, please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/insomnia.htm

-    A summer camp on Healthy Young Leaders' Training, jointly organised by University Health Service, CUHK Staff Association and School of Chinese Medicine, is catered for the children of our staff, aged 12 to 17.  For details, please visit http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/uhs/dochtml/poster01_0502A.jpg

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.