2005-09-21
The Department of Health (DH) today (September 21) reminded members of the public to take preventive measures against infectious diseases while travelling to South East Asia.
The appeal was made in view of the recent outbreak of dengue fever in some South East Asian countries as well as the detection of cases of human avian influenza in Indonesia.
The DH's Chief Port Health Officer, Dr Henry Kong, said that more than 10 000 cases of dengue fever had been reported in Singapore this year and 18 of the 19 imported cases of dengue fever reported to the Centre for Health Protection so far this year came from South East Asia.
"Dengue fever is an endemic disease in Southeast Asian countries and the best way to prevent it while visiting these places is to avoid mosquito bites," Dr Kong said.
Information leaflets are being disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore to remind them to take precautionary measures during and after their trips.
Arrangements have also been made with the airlines to broadcast health messages on board all in-bound flights from these places to remind travellers to be vigilant against the disease.
He urged travellers to take the following preventive measures:
- wear long-sleeved tops and trousers;
- use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body; and
- use mosquito screens or nets when rooms are not air-conditioned.
Dr Kong also reminded travellers to South East Asia in particular Indonesia to be vigilant against avian influenza following report of outbreaks in Java recently.
"We have been closely monitoring the spread of avian influenza in the region following the outbreaks of the disease in Thailand and Vietnam last year.
"In fact, a series of preventive measures against avian influenza were put in place in Hong Kong in phases this year to tie in with the situation in South East Asia.
"These measures include the broadcasting of health messages on board all in-bound flights from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Health information leaflets are also being distributed to passengers leaving for these countries.
Travellers are also advised to avoid direct contact with chickens, their faeces or visit to farms. If contacts have been made, they should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
"They should also be cautious of any symptoms of influenza-like illness including fever, sore throat and coughing after returning to Hong Kong. If symptoms developed, they should seek medical attention promptly and provide the travel history to the doctor," Dr Kong noted.
"To arouse the awareness of Indonesia domestic helpers in Hong Kong of the threat of avian influenza, DH staff has also sent publicity pamphlets to relevant organisations for distribution among the Indonesia population," Dr Kong added.
For latest information on infectious diseases in other places and relevant preventive measures, members of the public may visit DH's Hong Kong Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk.
End/Wednesday, September 21, 2005