2005-07-07
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 7) called on travellers to Indonesia to be vigilant against poliomyelitis (polio) following report from the World Health Organization (WHO) that more than 110 such cases occurred in West Java, Central Java and Sumatra since March this year.
A CHP spokesman said polio is a statutorily notifiable disease in Hong Kong. It is spread primarily from person-to-person through the faecal-oral route. Hong Kong has a sensitive surveillance system for polio that meets international standards.
While high vaccination coverage rates against polio in Hong Kong will effectively protect the territory from the spread of the disease, the CHP will alert all doctors about the outbreak in Indonesia and remind them to report any suspected case to the CHP and to provide up-to-date immunization to eligible persons.
At the same time, the DH’s Port Health Office will liaise with travel industry regarding the situation of polio in Indonesia.
"Health information leaflets will be distributed at the airport for passengers leaving for Indonesia and health messages broadcasting on board all in-bound flights from Indonesia will be arranged," the spokesman said.
For infants travelling to Indonesia, the primary series of polio vaccines should be completed before departure. Adult travellers who are previously immunized, 10-yearly boosters are desirable.
All travellers are reminded to observe personal hygiene especially wash hands properly and keep hands clean.
If returning travellers from the affected areas developed symptoms, they are advised to seek medical consultation promptly and report their travel history to their doctors.
The CHP will maintain communication with the WHO to obtain the latest information about the outbreak.
Latest information on polio and health advice as well as preventive measures of the disease can be obtained from the Port Health Office's website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk).
End/Thursday, July 7, 2005