H7N9 vigilance bolstered
December 04, 2013
The Government will enhance surveillance and health education efforts against avian influenza, Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung says.
Speaking to the media today, Dr Leung said 40 Auxiliary Medical Service and Civil Aid Service staff will be deployed to boundary checkpoints to boost temperature checks on incoming passengers.
He said the Government has asked Shenzhen authorities to observe cross-boundary students and other suspected cases.
To enhance health education, Dr Leung said the Government has contacted domestic helper associations, consulates and non-governmental organisations to spread health advice, adding information on the disease on the centre’s
website has been translated into six languages.
On the first confirmed H7N9 case in Hong Kong, Dr Leung said Tamiflu has been given to the patient's 17 close contacts, who have tested negative. The centre has also traced 220 people that may be associated with the case, he said.
Dr Leung appealed to citizens and travellers to pay attention to personal hygiene, and avoid contact with birds and their droppings.
