2006-08-07
In view of the recent cases of rabies in some parts of the Mainland, the Department of Health (DH) today (August 7) reminded travellers to the Mainland, especially the affected areas, to be vigilant to minimize the risk of infection.
Chief Port Health Officer of the DH, Dr Henry Kong said if travellers could not avoid going to places of high incidence of rabies, they were advised to consider immunization against the disease and to avoid wild animals and stray dogs and cats.
"Rabies is transmitted to human by the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. It is an acute fatal disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.
"Travellers planning to go to remote rural regions without medical facilities or rabies affected areas are advised to be extra careful, especially if they are planning to engage in such high risk activities as hiking and animal handling," he said.
"Symptoms of rabies include malaise, headache, fever and abnormal skin sensations. These are followed after a few days by hyperactivity, disorientation, severe and painful muscle spasm, especially of the throat leading to fear of water, difficulty in breathing, paralysis, coma and death.
"The incubation period is usually three to eight weeks, and may range from a few days to one year," he added.
Dr Kong said there was no definite treatment for it at the moment.
"It is, therefore, very important that after being bitten or scratched by animals, one must wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap or detergent immediately and then seek medical attention as soon as possible," Dr Kong said.
Standard treatment includes:
- Thorough cleaning of wound, usually without suturing;
- Post-exposure immunization against rabies to be considered according to circumstances, e.g. whether the animal could be observed, presence of rabies in the areas, etc.;
- Tetanus booster or antibiotic may be needed in addition.
For latest information on infectious disease outbreaks in various parts of the world and preventive measures against travel-related illnesses, members of the public may visit DH's Travel Health Service Website http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk.
Travellers can make use of the service including one-stop travel-related advice, vaccinations and prescription of preventive medications. Details are available in the website and appointment can be made by telephoning the Hong Kong Travel Health Centre at 2961 8840 or Kowloon Travel Health centre at 2150 7235.
End/Monday, August 7, 2006