Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic
The influenza pandemic response system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region consists of the following three levels. Each of these response levels prescribes a given set of public health actions required.
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1. |
Alert Response Level
When
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there are confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry populations outside Hong Kong; |
or
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there are confirmed cases of HPAI in Hong Kong in imported birds in quarantine, in wild birds, in recreational parks, in pet bird shops or in the natural environment
The Secretary of Health, Welfare and Food (SHWF) will activate this Response Level upon the advice of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (DAFC).
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there is/are confirmed human case(s) of avian influenza outside Hong Kong,
SHWF will activate this Response Level upon the advice of the Director of Health (DoH). |
Command Structure
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A simplified emergency response command structure will be put in place. The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau (HWFB), Department of Health (DH), Hospital Authority (HA), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) are the main parties assessing the nature and level of risks. |
Aims of the Public Health Actions
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To attain timely and accurate information from other territories in order to prevent the disease from invading Hong Kong and facilitate prompt surveillance for any local cases. |
Important Notice
Alert Responses
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Maintain normal way of life |
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Take heed of further announcements from the Government, especially updates on the outbreaks of HPAI outside Hong Kong |
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2. |
Serious Response Level
When
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there are confirmed HPAI outbreaks in the environment of or among poultry population in retail markets, wholesale markets or farms in Hong Kong due to a strain with known human health impact.
SHWF will activate this Response Level upon the advice of the DAFC or the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (DFEH).
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there is/are confirmed human case(s) of avian influenza in Hong Kong without evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission.
SHWF will activate this Response Level upon the advice of DoH. |
Command Structure
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A Steering Committee chaired by SHWF will be set up. |
Aims of the Public Health Actions
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To control the spread of the disease, identify the source of infection and contain the spread of the virus in and out of Hong Kong at the early stage of infection. |
Important Notice
Serious Responses
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Maintain normal way of life |
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Prepare enough masks for possible exigencies |
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Take heed of and comply with guidelines issued by the Government (on travelling, port health, culling of chicken, quarantine actions, etc) |
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3. |
Emergency Response Level
When
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there is evidence confirming efficient human-to-human transmission of novel influenza occurring overseas or in Hong Kong; |
or
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World Health Organization (WHO) declares an influenza pandemic (i.e. the influenza strain is beginning to cause several outbreaks in at least one country, and spread to other countries).
SHWF will activate this Response Level upon the advice of DoH. |
Command Structure
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A Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Executive will be set up. |
Aims of the Public Health Actions
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To slow down progression of epidemic and minimize loss of human lives in order to buy time for production of an effective vaccine against the pandemic flu strain. |
Important Notice
Emergency Responses
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Use mask appropriately |
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Take heed of and comply with guidelines issued by the Government (on travelling, port health, cessation of major events, suspension of schools, preventive vaccines and medication, arrangements for medical services, etc) |
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General Preventive Measures
At anytime and regardless of the Response Level, members of the general public should observe the following advice:
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Cover mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, dispose used tissue paper in covered rubbish bin and wash hands carefully afterwards. |
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Maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands frequently. Do not rub eyes, mouth or nose and wash hands before touching them. |
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The best way to guard against infectious diseases is to improve body resistance through having sufficient sleep, being well rested, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging regular exercise, keeping the environment well-ventilated and refraining from smoking. |
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Avoid crowded and poorly-ventilated public areas. |
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Avoid having contact with live birds, poultry and their droppings, and avoid having close contact with pet birds at home. After touching live birds or poultry, always wash hands with liquid soap and water. |
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Travellers should stay away from live birds and poultry during their trip. |
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Poultry meat and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. |
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After returning from countries with avian influenza outbreaks, consult a doctor if fever and symptoms of respiratory tract diseases develop and inform the doctor about the recent travel history. |
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If symptoms of influenza develop, consult a doctor and stay at home. Wear a mask to prevent spreading the disease to others. |
Website of the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health: http://www.chp.gov.hk
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