Press Releases
Up-to-date information of avian influenza available on website
Members of the public are urged to heighten their alert against avian
influenza and to avoid coming into contact with live poultry and birds and
their carcasses, a Government spokesman said today (February 7).
The spokesman said: "Winter to spring is the seasonal high risk period for
avian influenza. The detection of H5N1 among wild birds and poultry
carcasses recently is a cause of concern. In this regard, members of the
public are advised to pay extra attention to stay away from the disease by
refraining from contacting live poultry, especially dead or sick poultry.
"Though our analysis shows that the virus has no mutation for the time being
and there is no sign of human-to-human transmission, we should not be off
our guard against the disease.
"While the Government is highly vigilant and will continue to strictly
enforce preventive measures against avian influenza, members of the public
also have a role to play.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to remain vigilant against
avian influenza infection and to observe the following measures:
* Do not bring live poultry into Hong Kong;
* Avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if
contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and
water;
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue
and put it into covered dustbins;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
* Wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of
patients with fever;
* When you have fever and influenza-like illnesses during a trip or when
coming back to Hong Kong, you should consult doctors promptly and reveal
your travel history.
The spokesman reminded people working in poultry farms, wholesale and retail
markets to strictly adhere to the following biosecurity measures:
* Take precautions to prevent any contact between poultry and other birds;
* Use enclosed caging to prevent poultry from leaving/entering livestock
premises;
* Feeders and drinking water containers should be properly placed to avoid
contact with wild birds and contaminants;
* Newly acquired birds must be isolated for observation. Immediately report
any abnormal health condition of the flock;
* Wear suitable protective clothing when touching birds;
* Clean and disinfect thoroughly after touching birds or handling their
droppings;
* Seek medical treatment immediately when feeling unwell.
From late January until yesterday, the Government has collected 28 carcasses
of poultry and birds along the western coast of Hong Kong. Members of the
public can visit the "H5N1 Health Advice" of the website of the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at
www.afcd.gov.hk to learn the latest
situation. The websites of the Centre for Health Protection and the Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department also offer the public information on avian
influenza.
Information including the species of birds infected with H5N1 found in Hong
Kong, safety guidelines for handling and disposing of dead wild birds,
health advice, latest Government press releases, etc are uploaded on the
AFCD website. The website with the latest details of the infected species,
submission date for laboratory tests, and location found and a distribution
map will be updated regularly.
The spokesman added: "Experience underscores that clear public information
is crucial to protect public health. If people are fully aware of the risk
as well as preventive measures against infectious diseases, they are in a
better position to fight against the disease.
"As the website is one of the direct ways to relay messages of avian
influenza prevention to public, people should make use of the website to
obtain the information and take the necessary precautions accordingly."
Ends/Saturday, February 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:31
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