December 05, 2013

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man has urged the public to reveal their medical history to doctors, particularly if they have been in contact with poultry.
 
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said the Indonesian domestic helper involved in Hong Kong's first confirmed H7N9 case did not initially tell her doctor she had been in contact with poultry, which affected his clinical judgement.
 
Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung said the woman remains in critical condition. He said there is no evidence the virus can spread from person to person, and the outbreak risk is low, adding the Government will continue to monitor the situation.
 
Dr Ko appealed to the public to stay away from poultry and wet markets outside of Hong Kong, and tell doctors their travel history if they fall ill.
 
He said the suspension of live chicken imports from three Shenzhen farms is a special arrangement as the infection source has not yet been confirmed. The measure may be adjusted depending on the investigation.
 
On export regulations on formula powder, Dr Ko said a consultant has found there is room for improvement at the retail level, judging from the stress test conducted during Golden Week. The Government at this stage may not lift the restriction during the Lunar New Year holiday, he said.
 
Meanwhile, Dr Ko attended the 12th Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong & Macau today.
 
He said the meeting allows the three places to enhance mutual understanding, and learn from each other to improve their public health systems.