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NEWS / EVENTS

MD Consult Core Collection & Infectious Disease Service
13 Feb 2009

We are pleased to announce the addition of MD Consult Core Collection and MD Consult Infectious Disease Service on eKG. The subscription of MD Consult Infectious Disease Service is supported and funded by Infectious Disease Control Training Centre. MD Consult includes full-text journals, Clinics of North America, medical books, drug information, guidelines, and patient education handouts. For enquiries, please ask your hospital/cluster librarian or contact eKG Support Team (email ekg@ha.org.hk, tel: 2300 6360). To link up to MD Consult via eKG, please use this URL: http://www.ekg.org.hk/portlets/gateway/gateway.jsp?mdconsult

Commissioned training on major infectious disease emergencies and bioterrorism preparedness in Hong Kong
13 Feb 2009

Infection control branch has achieved a closer partnership with overseas institutes in the field of the major infectious disease emergencies and bioterrorism preparedness after all parties were actively participated in the conference

Infection control branch of Centre for Health Protection, Hospital Authority infectious disease control training centre and infectious disease centre at Princess Margaret Hospital have jointly organized a conference for frontline healthcare professionals at Princess Margaret Hospital from 20th-21st November 2008.

This training program, supported by Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC), Centre of Infection of the University of Hong Kong, Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Society for Infectious Disease, has invited a number of renowned local and overseas speakers from World Health Organization, UPMC and Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, China. Their expertise and experience with regard to recognition, diagnosis, treatment and management of major infectious disease emergencies and bioterrorism preparedness was successfully shared.

A total of 415 attendances included doctors, nurses and public health professionals were trained.

Hospital Epidemiology
12 Feb 2007

A 5-day tailor-made Hospital Epidemiology Programme was conducted in partnership with the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, US, from 8-12 January 2007 for 54 healthcare professionals comprising infectious disease physicians, clinical microbiologists and infection control nurses in public and private hospitals. Professor Philip Brachman, veteran epidemiologist, and Mr Jonathan Edwards, Mathematical Statistician, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, shared their expertise with the participants and facilitated the case studies and exercises. A few participants also contributed local outbreak cases for analyses and discussion in class. The feedback was highly positive. Participants considered the biostatistics component most useful and practical for outbreak management in the workplace. Some of them complimented that the course had made biostatistics easy for them and answered their age-old queries on some interpretation issues. The programme ended with a post-course written assessment with the majority of participants passing it.

Joint Commission International ( JCI ) Infection Control Practicum - October 2006
24 Oct 2006

Eight different hospitals participated in the latest three days Infection Control Practicum in early October. A full day lecture was organised prior to the practicum and covered areas such as building safety culture with effective infection control program, tracer methodology, infection control standards and Institute of Healthcare Improvement infection control bundles. Apart from the HAHO onsite venue, the lecutres were simultaneously broadcasted to five different hospitals with an estimated participants of over 800 staff members.

The objectives of JCI Infection Control Practicum were to allow staff to pursue infection control quality & safety in Individual hospitals through the use of the “Patient Care Tracers methodology” as a technique in organizational assessment, and by following the actual care experience of an individuals who have received care, treatment and services within the organization by mean of “System Tracers Methodolody” and focus on high risk processes across the organization including data use, infection control and medication management to evaluate staff knowledge and behaviour on infection control, environmental awareness, overall program management and compliance. The program was fully supported and sponsored by the Infectious Disease Control Training Centre and the Infection Control Branch of the Centre for Health Protection and organised in colloaboration with the Risk Management Team of HA.

Two identical debriefing sessions were run on 11 October for overall recommendations. The consultants are pleased with the dedication of all staff in upholding the standards of infection control in all hospitals they visited. They made several constructive recommendations on how to further enhance the present system and on how to carry the “tracer methodology” forwards as a self assessment tool in HA. A lot of fruitful suggestions were made by local participants. Both the consultants and Dr Raymond Yung, the Head of the Infection Control Branch agreed that with continuous practice, acuity and skills of our survey team will become more mature.

To keep the “quality ball” rolling, Infection Control branch would like to take the lead and continue to strive for excellence by forming working groups with various hosptial infection control team representatives to coordinate future work and to fine tune the tracer methodology tools to suit our local standards. We all looking forwards to our collaboration together for a risk priorized quality focused infection control team for all hospitals.

Inter-departmental efforts to prevent dengue fever
8 Sep 2006

In view of the recent increase in the number of dengue fever cases in Guangdong province, the Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on Dengue Fever met today (September 7) to assess the situation in Hong Kong and to review the effectiveness of local anti-mosquito campaign. Staffs should stay vigilant and to notify suspected or confirmed case to Centre of Health and Protection early. For details, please refer to the following documents.

Travellers reminded to be vigilant against Japanese encephalitis
17 Aug 2006

In view of recent increase in Japanese encephalitis (JE) cases in Shanxi province of Mainland China, the Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health reminds travelers to take precautionary measures to prevent infection when visiting affected areas. For details, please refer to the following documents.

Updates on cases of fungal corneal infections
4 May 2006

The Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health provides update information on cases of fungal corneal infections. For details, please refer to the following documents.

Updates on advice for prevention of fungal corneal infections
26 Apr 2006

The Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health provides on cases of fungal corneal infections and advice on prevention. For details, please refer to the following documents, or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website (shown below) for further information.

The HA Infection Control Plan for Avian Influenza – Second Edition has been released!
17 Feb 2006

The newly released “ The HA Control Plan for Avian Influenza ” has incorporated the views of international guidelines including the newly released (Feb 2006) WHO Interim Avian Influenza Infection Control Guideline for Health Care Facilities and consensus of local major stakeholders. The volume has been extensively revised and is expanded to cover more healthcare settings.

You can assess the content through the IDCTC Avian Influenza (Hospital Authority) website by approaching the following addresses:

http://www3.ha.org.hk/idctc/avianflupage/resources.asp (internet)

Infection Control Training Workshop for Long Term Care Facilities
17 Feb 2006

The Infection Control Training in Long Term Care Facilities Course was held successfully from 13 to 15 February. Professor Lindsay Nicolle, the Professor of Internal Medicine and Medical Microbiology at the University of Manitoba and currently the Chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee for the Society of Health Care Epidemiology of America and world renowned for her contributions in infection control in long term care facilities, delivered lectures and also shared experience on infection control in long term care facilities. Sixty-five health care professionals from different local hospitals, community geriatric assessment teams and health care settings joined the course. The course included lectures on an overview of infections in long term care facilities, outbreak investigation and prevention of infection. There were also panel discussions on various aspects of infection control in long term care facilities. Focused areas for enhancement of infection control measured were identified by each cluster. The course will be followed by action project to facilitate direct application of knowledge to real life problems. Most participants find it useful and comprehensive and would strengthen their knowledge on daily practice in infection control in long term care facilities.

Epidemiology in Action Course
26 Jan 2006

An ‘Epidemiology in Action’ course was successfully held from 9 to 20 January 2006. A total of 55 health care providers participated the course. Four overseas speakers, Prof. Philip S Brachman, Dr. Richard C Dicker, Dr. Robert E Fontaine, and Dr. Lisa A Lee delivered the lectures as well as shared experience in epidemiology and statistical analysis. There were also case studies and project presentations so that everyone can have an ‘in-depth’ idea on epidemiology. Every participant enjoys the course and finds it useful. They hope that the course can be held regularly so that more health care providers can have an idea on epidemiology.

HA Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza Pandemic – Second Edition released
10 Jan 2006

The Second Edition of HA Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza Pandemic has been released! Major updates have been made since its first release on 30th March 2005. Areas that have been updated are highlighted in red. There is also a significant increase in the number of documents compiled related to the contingency plan, these documents are listed in Section IV - List of Documents. Or you can download these documents through IDCTC Avian Influenza (Hospital Authority) website, accessible at
http://www3.ha.org.hk/idctc/avianflupage/resources_conplan.asp (internet)

Healthcare workers reminded to remain vigilant against typhoid fever
21 Dec 2005

Healthcare workers are reminded to remain vigilant against typhoid fever as The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received nine notifications of typhoid fever during a 3-week period from November 25 to December 18; among them seven lived in Yuen Long District.

Typhoid fever is endemic in Hong Kong, monthly notification of typhoid fever varied from zero to 11 cases in the past two years. 33 cases have been reported so far this year while the figures for 2001 to 2004 are 67, 67, 49 and 53 respectively.

Typhoid fever is usually transmitted by consuming food and water contaminated by feces or urine of patients or carriers. Onset of the illness is usually marked by fever, tiredness, chills, headache and generalized muscle and joint aches. Diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort may occur,

For detail, please see the CHP feature topic and Fact sheet on typhoid and paratyphoid fever prepared by HA CCID

3 human cases of avian influenza H5N1: Hunan and Anhui province
18 Nov 2005

Clinicians and healthcare workers are reminded to maintain vigilance against avian influenza H5N1 as CHP received a notification from China Ministry of Health (MoH) on the evening of November 16, 2005, reporting 3 human cases of avian influenza (H5N1). Two of these cases were in Hunan province, one in Anhui. All of them have had contact with sick poultry.

Hong Kong is presently at the Alert Response Level. HA is presently on Yellow Alert.

According to WHO assessment, H5N1 is not efficiently transmitted between humans at present.

In response to this new development, DH is making arrangements to re-institute temperature screening at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border control check points within 48 hours.

HA Central Committee on Infectious Diseases would like to remind all staff HA has taken the following actions:

1. Fever cases referred from border control check points will be sent to Accident & Emergency Departments for assessmnet.

2. Staff should maintain vigilance to fever patients with epi-links (ie. T.O.C.C.)and practise appropriate infection control measures.

3. Fever patient with epi-links should be segregated and attended promptly.

Letter to all HA Staff

Volunteer service in public health during influenza pandemic
10 Oct 2005

Recent development of avian influenza in South East Asia has made the threat of the next influenza pandemic more imminent. There is a need to build up surge capacity in the form of a standby team of volunteers comprising private medical practitioners. Volunteers can assist in both clinical and disease prevention initiatives. The scope of service could range from providing clinical care in clinics and hospitals; answering hotline enquiries from public or specific sectors; providing outreach health visits to institutions; conducting health talks and education programmes; providing infection control training to carers; rendering professional support to Government vaccination programmes and antiviral administration to target groups and so on.

Your contribution will be critical at a time of crisis. Without your support, a large number of Hong Kong people would suffer due to lack of professional manpower during a pandemic.

For details on how to register to become a volunteer, please click on the attached document.

Letter to all private medical practitioners by Dr. P Y Leung, Controller, CHP – Volunteer service in public health during influenza pandemic

Influenza Vaccination Programme for 2005/06
16 Sep 2005

In accordance with the Government’s Influenza Vaccination Programme, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Hospital Authority (HA) will start its routine Influenza Vaccination Programme from end of October this year.

This year, the HA influenza vaccination program included new target groups include: A/ Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients under the following categories: Elderly aged 65 or above, Children aged 6-23 months from families receiving CSSA (primarily in MCH), and pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester; B/ Healthcare workers of residential care homes for elderly (RCHE) and residential care homes for disabled (RCHD) (mop up)

Please refer to the following files for detail.

A case of Legionnaires' Disease confirmed
2 Sep 2005

Clinicians are reminded to be vigilant for the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease in patients with pneumonia. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed a case of Legionnaires' disease, the seventh case this year.

Legionnaires’ disease accounts for 2 to 15% of all community acquired pneumonia that requires hospitalization in foreign countries. Recognized risk factors include cigarette smoking, chronic lung diseases, advanced age, alcoholism, and immunosuppressive conditions.

The organism typically inhabits in aquatic environment and can pass into water storage and distribution systems. Transmission of Legionella can occur by aspiration of contaminated water, inhalation or aerosolization organisms, and direct inoculation by means of contaminated equipment or water. Aerosol spread from air conditioning towers, mist machines and possibly showerheads has been implicated in some cases. Person-to-person transmission does not occur.

The HA Central Committee of Infectious Disease have recently revised the Fact Sheet on Legionnaires’ Disease. It is accessible through our IDCTC page under “Fact sheet/ Guidelines / Training Materials sub-page”, HA intranet page, and by clicking the link below.

Two more local cases of Streptococcus suis infection reported
25 Aug 2005

Clinicians are reminded to be vigilant against Streptococcus suis infection as the tenth and eleventh case this year was reported by Queen Elizabeth Hospital and United Christian Hospital respectively. Both cases, presented with septicemic picture of fever, chills, joint and muscle pain with no meningitic symptoms.

Genetic characterization of first nine cases in 2005 conducted so far showed different bacterial strains. This suggests the previous cases are sporadic and there was no linkage between them. Results of the recent two cases are pending. Preliminary investigation showed that there is no epidemiological linkage between the recent two cases.

Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis, septicaemia, and less commonly endocarditis, arthritis and bronchopneumonia.

Local case of Streptococcus suis infection reported
19 Aug 2005

Clinicians are reminded to be vigilant for Streptococcus suis infection as the ninth case this year was reported by Tuen Mun Hospital on 16th August, 2005. The 44 year old gentleman presented to Tuen Mun Hospital with symptoms of fever, right little finger pain and left thigh pain. He is now in stable condition

Streptococcus suis infection may present as meningitis, septicaemia, and less commonly endocarditis, arthritis and bronchopneumonia.

Three Cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus found within 4 weeks
9 Aug 2005

Clinicians are reminded to be vigilant for the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. During the past four weeks in July and August 2005, three, including two fatal cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio vulnificus came to notice to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health. Clinicians should seek a history of wounds exposure to ocean water or the drippings from raw saltwater fish, or wounds resulting from handling marine crustaceans such as crabs. People who are immunocompromised, with severe chronic illness, diabetes, or cirrhosis are at increased risk of necrotizing fasciitis

Streptococcus suis gazetted as notifiable disease
2 Aug 2005

In view of the recent outbreak of human infection of Streptococcus suis in Sichuan Province, and in order to better understand the threat of this disease to the Hong Kong population, Streptococcus suis infection is added to the list of infectious diseases specified in the First Schedule to the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Hong Kong Laws Chapter 141) on 2nd August, 2005.

Update on Streptococcus suis infection in Sichuan
29 Jul 2005

Health care workers are reminded to remain vigilant for the diagnosis of Streptococcus suis infection. Alertness should be heightened especially to those patients with travel history to Sichuan and those with a contact history to sick pigs. Recognized occupations that are at risk for the infection include butchers, abattoir and meat-processing plant workers, cooks and pig farmers.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH), official figure as of noon 28th July, 2005, there are 152 cases. Among the cases, 13 are laboratory confirmed, 31 died and 7 discharged.

On the other hand, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received a report of a case of Streptococcus suis infection. This added up to a total of 10 Streptococcus suis infection cases since May 2004.

For detailed clinical information concerning Streptococcus suis infection, please refer to the newly released fact sheet accessible through our “Fact Sheet/Guidelines/Training Materials” sub-page or from the link below.

Alert to suspected Streptococcus suis infection in Sichuan
27 Jul 2005

CHP is concerned about the recent outbreaks of suspected Streptococcus suis infections in Sichuan. Health care workers and remind to stay vigilant to patients with travel history to Sichuan and those with a contact history to sick pigs. Apart from Streptococcus suis infection, pigs related zoonosis include brucellosis and Nipah virus infection.

According to Chinese CDC, as of 23rd July, there have been 55 cases with 15 deaths since end of June that fits their current case definition.

The incubation period ranges from 2 hours to 13 days (median 2.6 days). Majority of patients suffer from fever, chills, vomiting, headache, and myalgia. Other common symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, arthralgia, and cough. Neck stiffness is present in 17% of patients.

49 of the 55 cases have a positive contact history. 47 have contact with sick pigs and 2 have contact with sick sheep. Modes of contact include slaughtering, feeding, and burying of the sick animals, and processing, eating and selling of meat from affected animals. 37.2% had superficial wounds during contact

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 was isolated from 3 patients and 5 pigs.

Source: Chinese CDC (www.chinacdc.net.cn )

Open Forum on Influenza Pandemic Preparedness for Healthcare Workers
14 Jul 2005

The first two sessions of Open Forum on Influenza Pandemic Preparedness for Healthcare Workers organized by Centre for Health Protection were held successfully on 6th & 12th July 2005 in Sha Tin Town Hall and Tsuen Wan Town Hall respectively.

We are honored to invite Dr. P Y Leung, Controller, Centre for Health Protection to give the opening remarks for the first forum, and Dr. Raymond Yung, Head of ICB and Consultant-in-charge IDCTC for the second forum.

This forum is tailor-made for the interest of healthcare workers working in the private sector. The objective is to assist them to understand the government and Hospital Authority influenza pandemic plan, to increase their awareness of the risk and challenges of influenza pandemic posed to the public health, and to update the knowledge on infection control practices in clinic setting.

Two more sessions will be on 15th July 05 in Hong Kong Central Library, and 21st July 05 in Tuen Mun Town Hall respectively. Those who are interested should call 35230183 for reservation.

Alert: Influenza activity remained high
4 Jun 2005

The Department of Health has detected the influenza activity remained very high in May this year. Unlike traditional influenza seasons, this year (2005) influenza activity has risen in May to very high levels particularly towards the end of May. There is no sign that influenza activity is receding or even plateauing. Influenza in the community is prevalent as evidenced by high ILI rates reported by GOPC and GPs, very high number of influenza isolates in the Public Health Laboratory, and also numerous influenza outbreaks in institutions, notably among the elderly population. Influenza A/H3N2 is now predominant accounting for about 80% of influenza isolates, and a substantial proportion of this is the A/California-like strain. Please refer to Communicable Disease Watch Vol.2 No.11 for additional details.

Communicable Disease Watch Vol. 2 No.11

APIC ICE I and ICE II in Hong Kong
27 Apr 2005

IDCTC and CHP are honored to invite the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) to run the courses: Infection Control and Epidemiology: Fundamentals for the Beginning Professional (ICE I) and and Infection Control and Epidemiology: Clinical Problem Solving In Multiple Practice Settings (ICE II) here in Hong Kong.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) is a renowned multi-disciplinary voluntary international organization with over 10,000 members. Its purpose is to influence, support and improve the quality of healthcare through the practice and management of infection control and the application of epidemiology in all health settings. It conducts educational courses and conferences throughout the year in continental USA for its members to keep their practice of infection control current.

From 25th to 27th April 2005, APIC runs ICE I and II for our local Hong Kong infection control professionals in Centre for Health Protection. Remarkably, this is also the first time APIC conduct its ICE courses outside the USA.

More than 100 participants attended ICE I which provides an introduction to the fundamental skills necessary for the practice of infection control and epidemiology. Practice settings/specialties include acute care, ambulatory, home health, long-term, critical care, surgical care, behavioral health and pediatrics. Topics cover surveillance methodology; basic microbiology, and infectious process; infection control precautions; and outbreak investigation.

While 55 participants joined the more advanced ICE II which provides an opportunity to apply and integrate infection control and epidemiology skills to varied clinical settings. Practice settings/specialties include acute, ambulatory, home health, and long-term care. Topics cover expanded epidemiology and surveillance methodologies, analysis of case studies, data management and reporting, performance improvement/outcome measurement, and environmental issues. Practicing experts present the most current information, including specifics on outbreak investigation, performance improvement, statistical process charts, and instruction related issues.

In all sessions, participants are interacting actively with experienced speakers. Many questions and controversies related to daily infection control practices are raised and discussed.

For further information on APIC or future ICE I and II courses, or related courses and conferences, please click on the links below.

Influenza Outbreak in Leizhou
27 Apr 2005

Clinicians are reminded to stay vigilant for the diagnosis of influenza for patients with travel history to Guangdong Province presenting with influenza like illness.

The CHP was notified by the Department of Health of Guangdong Province that there was an outbreak of influenza in a village in Leizhou. Cases were alerted since early April. There were about 280 people involved up to 24th April..

Most of the affected people were primary school students. They developed very mild symptoms of respiratory tract infection including fever, cough and myalgia. Other symptoms noted include conjunctivitis and abdominal pain. None of these cases required hospitalization. There were no deaths related to this outbreak.

Preliminary laboratory tests of samples taken from the affected students indicated that the outbreak was due to human influenza virus.

CHP news: Outbreak of influenza in Guangdong under close watch

Alert: Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever in Angola
22 Apr 2005

Clinicians are reminded to stay vigilant against Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever for those who have travel history to Angola. The disease has been menacing in that region since October 2004. It is being detected and closely monitored by World Health Organization. The current outbreak is extremely deadly with a case fatality rate of >90%. Please see the newly released fact sheet on Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever for further information. Clinician should find the section on referral of cases particularly useful.

Two Imported cases of Leptospirosis
21 Apr 2005

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reported two cases of imported leptospirosis involving a couple on April 18. Both of them are now in stable condition.

The patients, a 54-year-old man and his 53-year-old wife, developed fever, chills and severe myalgia on April 11. They were admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on April 14. Their blood samples were positive for leptospirosis.

The couple travelled to Sabah of Malaysia from March 24 to 28. They took part in rafting and hiking activities during the five-day trip.

Clinicians are reminded to maintain vigilance to leptospirosis, especially those at high risk presenting with flu like illness. High risk groups include farmers, sewers and slaughter houses workers, veterinarians, residents of areas at risk of flooding, and individuals taking part in recreational activities including canoeing, rafting and kayaking in tropical or temperate climates countries. Early treatment with antibiotic is important in minimizing complications from the disease and therefore should be considered if the clinical suspicion is strong without waiting for laboratory confirmation. Please refer to our Fact Sheet on Leptospirosis for detail information.

HA Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza Pandemic is now available!
31 Mar 2005

The HA Contingency Plan for Avian Influenza Pandemic is ready for your review after months of painstaking effort by multiple parties. It contains 17 chapters each on separate areas of preparedness by HA and an executive summary of HA responses under various alerts.

Download

Updates on Avian Influenza
15 Mar 2005

Health care workers are reminded to be prepared for the next influenza pandemic by familiarizing themselves with the latest infection control protocols. The latest events occurring since our last report in late January have not been the most reassuring.

The death toll due to H5N1 influenza has been creeping up steadily since the start of current phase starting since December 2004 in Vietnam / Cambodia. According to official figures published by WHO, there have been 25 cases and 14 fatalities since December 2004. .

The New England Journal of Medicine published a case of H5N1 in its 17th February issue: A 4 year old boy died of H5N1 presented with severe diarrhea and acute encephalitis with minimal chest and respiratory symptoms. The diagnosis of H5 was not made until more than 8 months later, when researchers in London isolated the virus from stored cerebrospinal fluid, serum, throat, and rectal specimens. This report emphasizes the unsuspected broad clinical spectrum of disease attributable to H5N1 virus.

On the bright side, H5 vaccine development is on the way. WHO collaborating centres and reference laboratories have developed several recombinant H5N1 prototype vaccine strains. Several different vaccines have been produced for clinical testing. However, should pandemic strikes, effective vaccine for the pandemic strain would be unlikely to be available at the beginning.

International Joint Meeting on Epidemiology Training between Mainland China, Australia, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong
24 Feb 2005

An international joint meeting on epidemiology training between mainland China, Australia, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong was held between 31 Jan 2005 to 2 Feb 2005. Over 100 local delegates from the Department of Health, Hospital Authority attended the meeting to share with the overseas public health experts. Extensive discussions on the communicable disease control and surveillance in Australia, the United Kingdom, Mainland China were delivered. Further exchange of views on training in field epidemiology and public health among the regions were made.

Seminar on Meningococcal infection
17 Feb 2005

The three seminars held on 4th and 7th February attracted a large audience of more than three hundred health care professionals from both public and private sectors. Dr. Thomas Tsang and Dr. Raymond Yung gave the latest update of the situation in mainland China, and the latest information on the clinical management of the disease respectively.

For those who cannot attend the seminar, you can click on the following link to retrieve the information presented.

Alert to Malaria: 4th imported case this year confirmed
16 Feb 2005

Health care professionals are reminded to stay vigilant for the diagnosis of malaria in patients presented with high swinging fever. Travel history should be sought in all febrile patients. Delayed in diagnosis would lead to increased mortality and morbidity

Alert to meningococcal infection: Outbreaks in Eastern China
2 Feb 2005

The Ministry of Health People’s Republic of China urged the public to be vigilant against meningococcal meningitis in a press release statement on 31st January 2005. This statement was made after the Anhui province health authority reported a surge in the number of meningococcal cases.

Since 20th December 2004, there were 62 cases of meningococcal meningitis with 6 deaths in Anhui province, compared with 14 cases during the same period last year. Seven cases are still being treated in isolation, while 49 cases recovered. It appeared there is multiple clustering of cases rather than from a single outbreak. The patients are mostly between 13 and 18 years of age, 77% of the cases are students. Most of the cases are infected with meningococcus serogroup C.

Guangdong Ministry of Health gave a preliminary report of 11 meningococcal infections cases in January 2005. Of the 11 cases, 10 occurred in non-Guangdong workers. All affected cases are adults. The cases are sporadic and so far no outbreaks in schools have been found. The cases belong to serotype A.

Historically, 90% of meningococcal meningitis in Mainland China is caused by meningococcus serogroup A.

Official figures from the Ministry of Health People’s Republic of China showed there were 258 cases with 16 deaths in January 2005, compared with 164 cases with 10 deaths during the same period last year. The annual number of cases from year 2002 to 2004 was 2551 cases, 2535 cases and 2698 cases respectively. There is seasonal variation with a peak from February to May.

Source: Ministry of Health People’s Republic of China (www.moh.gov.cn)

Coupled with the first local case this year confirmed in January and the recent outbreaks in the Philippines and Chad, healthcare workers are reminded to keep alert to the diagnosis and institute early treatment and appropriate infection control measures.

There are two major clinical forms of disease, meningitis and meningococcaemia. Early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection can be subtle. Meningitis is characterised by sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck, while meningococcaemia is characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death. Early disease is treatable with antibiotics. Travel history should be sought in all cases presenting with compatible clinical syndrome.

To Prepare for an Avian Influenza Pandemic : warnings from world authorities
25 Jan 2005

H5N1 influenza is now endemic in birds in large parts of Asia. Recent studies have yielded disturbing evidence that the H5N1 virus has become progressively more pathogenic in poultry, has increased environmental resistance, and is expanding its mammalian host range. Two features are striking in the 2004 outbreak: the concentration of previously healthy children and young adults and the very high mortality rate.

In the 1997 Hong Kong outbreak and the outbreak in the Netherlands, only inefficient spreads causing asymptomatic infections had been documented. In the Jan 27, 2005 issue of New England Journal of Medicine, Ungchusak et al have shown the occurrence of person-to-person transmission through close contact with the index case, leading to clinical illness and death in the outbreak in Thailand in September 2004.

The Secretariat of the WHO mentioned in a report to the Member States on 20 Jan 05 that conditions favouring the emergence of a pandemic virus are well known and are increasingly met.

The epidemiological and laboratory evidence from events in 2004 has given the world a warning that a pandemic may be imminent. At the same time, the warning also opens an opportunity for preparedness for the whole world. All staff members are urged to keep high vigilance and keep abreast of the latest developments.

Alert to meningococcal infection: local case confirmed
13 Jan 2005

CHP confirmed the first local case of meningococcal infection this year on 12 Jan 2005. Coupled with recent outbreaks in the Philippines , healthcare workers are reminded to keep alert to the diagnosis and institute early treatment and appropriate infection control measures.
There are two major clinical forms of disease, meningitis and meningococcaemia. Early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection can be subtle. Meningitis is characterised by sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and stiff neck, while meningococcaemia is characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death. Early disease is treatable with antibiotics. Travel history should be sought in all cases presenting with compatible clinical syndrome.

Alert response level of influenza preparedness plan activated
7 Jan 2005

The Government announced the activation of the Alert Response Level on 6 January 2005 in accordance with the draft Preparedness Plan for Influenza Outbreaks following reports of avian influenza cases in Vietnam. Letters were sent to all doctors in Hong Kong and hospitals are alerted about the avian influenza cases in Vietnam. All parties are required to report suspected cases to the Department of Health (DH) for follow up. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of DH would continue to step up health advice to the public. The Hospital Authority would remind its staff to continue with its existing infection control measures and stay vigilant to symptomatic patients returning from Thailand and Vietnam.

Alert response level of influenza preparedness plan activated (6 January 2005)

Tsunami and Earthquake in Asia: Infectious diseases alert
3 Jan 2005

A strong earthquake occurred off the west coast of Northern Sumatra (Aceh) on 26 December 2004. A subsequent tsunami has hit South and Southeast Asia causing serious damage and loss of life. Several countries bordering the Indian Ocean have been affected including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), and Somalia. Relief workers have been working hard to salvage lives and prevent infectious diseases outbreaks in the affected areas. Such areas are vulnerable to infectious diseases outbreaks due to hot and humid climate. Infection Control Branch of CHP has issued a letter alert healthcare workers to possible infectious diseases to watch out for in returned travellers from these areas. Port Health has issued health advice to onward travellers to these areas.

Influenza A (H7 & H9) gazetted as notifiable diseases on 31 December 2004
31 Dec 2004

The Director of Health issued an Order on 24 December 2004 to amend the First Schedule to the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap.141), in item 7A , by adding “Influenza A (H7) or Influenza A (H9) “ after “H5” . Another Order to amend Form 2 of the Schedule to the Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Regulations (Cap 141 sub. leg. B) by adding “influenza A (H7) or Influenza A (H9) after “H5” has also been issued in consequence of these diseases being added to the First Schedule of Cap 141.

The fifth local JE case confirmed
19 Nov 2004

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 18) confirmed that serology tests on blood samples of a 40-year-old man in Ap Lei Chau yield a positive result for Japanese encephalitis (JE). This is the fifth JE case reported in Hong Kong this year.

All staff to get prepared for influenza now
16 Nov 2004

As the influenza season is approaching, all staff are reminded to get well prepared . The yearly staff vaccination program has been launched on 1 November 2004. Staff are urged to get vaccinated against influenza. In additions, the threat of avian influenza from surrounding countries has not come to an end. Hence, it is an opportune time for staff to review clinical management of influenza like illness and notification mechanisms in case of nosocomial outbreaks. All useful documents are grouped under 1. influenza and 2. HA’s response plan for infectious disease outbreaks under the category of infectious diseases and infection control.

A new case of Japanese encephalitis confirmed
2 Nov 2004

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health confirmed on 1 November 2004 that serology tests on blood samples of a five-year-old boy in Sha Kong Tsuen, Yuen Long yielded a positive result for Japanese encephalitis (JE). This is the fourth JE case reported this year.

The boy developed fever, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea on October 16. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on October 19 and is in stable condition.

Inauguration Ceremony and Symposium of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP)
28 Oct 2004

Dr Shigeru Omi, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Office and Dr Wang Longde, Vice Minister, Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China who both delivered congratulatory messages to CHP. Mr John CC Chan presented a 500 million cheque on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club to Dr P Y Lam, Director of Health. A plaque was unveiled by Dr Omi, Dr Wang, Mr John Chan, Dr York Chow, Mrs Carrie Yau, Dr P Y Lam, Dr William Ho and Dr P Y Leung. The guests were shown around the premise, including the newly built simulation ward and Infection Control Branch resources centre. The two-day Inauguration Symposium followed right after the Ceremony. The theme of the Symposium is “Health Protection Systems for Combating Communicable Diseases”. Distinguished faculty of speakers from WHO and health authorities from China, Sweden, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Macao, Australia, Korea, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands shared their experience and their country’s infrastructure for the prevention and control of communicable diseases.

CHP set up to meet new challenges (27 October 2004)

Travellers reminder on Avian Flu
21 Oct 2004

In view of a report made to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) that a number of tigers in a zoo in a regional country had died of suspected avian flu recently, the Department of Health issued an travel reminder yesterday to remind travellers and personnel of the travel trade to avoid contact with live poultry, birds, animals and their droppings when visiting countries where avian influenza was detected.

An imported case of Dengue fever was confirmed
19 Oct 2004

A 28-year old gentleman was confirmed to have Dengue fever by the Centre for Health Protection on 18 October 2004. He fell sick after a travel to Singapore from September 14 to 16, 2004. Please refer to the following link for details.

An imported case of Dengue fever was confirmed
15 October 20