The Centre for Health Protection has stepped up monitoring and surveillance following the confirmation of H5 avian influenza outbreaks in Vietnam. The centre is liaising with Vietnamese authorities and the World Health Organisation on the issue.

Hong Kong has an intensive surveillance system for human influenza, it said, adding that there have been no H5N1 isolates identified in Hong Kong this year.

The three Vietnam cases come after reports that new outbreaks have been occurring in the country's poultry since July. Further testing is underway to determine if the H5 virus is the same H5N1 strain that caused outbreaks earlier this year.

34 human infections confirmed

From January to March, the WHO recorded 34 laboratory-confirmed human infections, including 23 fatal cases, of influenza A (H5N1) in Vietnam and Thailand. These human cases coincided with the period when there were outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza found in the poultry population.

Previous cases suggest the main mode of transmission is bird-to-human, while human-to-human transmission remains inefficient and rare. However, the centre said we need to be vigilant against any mutation or re-assortment of the virus which could impact human health.

The Department of Health has reminded the Hospital Authority, private hospitals and private doctors to maintain vigilance in infection control and disease reporting.

The authority said it has reminded frontline staff to be vigilant and report patients with influenza-like illness who have recent travel history to Vietnam and exposure to poultry. The authority said its central committee on infectious disease is closely monitoring the situation and will be in close liaison with the centre.

Health information is being sent to the travel industry. The latest news and advice for travellers will be available at the Travellers' Health Service website.

Safeguards still in place

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has suspended importation of live birds and poultry meat from Vietnam since January when there were reports of avian influenza.

Importation of live birds and poultry meat from a number of places with reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza has also been suspended.

An H5 vaccination and surveillance programme has also been implemented since June last year in all local chicken farms as a precautionary measure to prevent any recurrence. They have also been reminded to guard against avian flu.

The public, especially travellers going to areas where avian flu has been detected, should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water if any contact is made.

People who develop influenza-like illnesses are also urged to seek medical consultations promptly, and reveal their recent travel history.