December 7, 1997
The preliminary investigations showed that at this stage, human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 influenza A virus has not been proven and further investigations will be made to study this possibility, the Special Working Group on H5N1 announced today (Sunday).
The initial findings also showed that the four H5 cases did not share a common source, nor was the virus transmitted from one case to the others.
Speaking at a press conference convened after an urgent meeting earlier this afternoon, the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Paul Saw, who is the Chairman of the working group, said: "The first case was confirmed in August. Since then, we have stepped up surveillance and as a result, we have been able to detect the latest three cases.
"This latest development has caused concern both in the local and the international communities. However, there is no cause for panic as available evidence does not suggest that the disease is widespread."
Dr Saw said since the detection of the first case in August, Hong Kong had been working closely with the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other national authorities in surveillance, case detection and investigation of this new strain of influenza A virus.
"The WHO has been asked to alert vaccine production centres in the world in the case investigation to follow developments here with a view to preparing the necessary vaccines," he said.
"Arising from these suspected cases, the Department of Health has stepped up the influenza surveillance activities in Hong Kong and the WHO fully supports the measures being taken."
To further enhance surveillance in Hong Kong, Dr Saw said, the Department of Health would extend surveillance coverage to all General Out-patient Clinics. The Hospital Authority would also set up surveillance in public hospitals.
In the meantime, Dr Saw said, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department had also increased surveillance in poultry in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong.
He said the Department would disseminate to doctors, medical professionals, colleges and health care workers available information about the H5 virus through letters and the Department of Health's homepage on the internet (http:/www.info.gov.hk/dh/).
The special working group also released the details of the two suspected case discovered yesterday.
The 54-year-old man involved was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 29 and died on December 5 of complications arising from pneumonia.
The 13-year-old girl was admitted on November 26 and is now under treatment in Prince of Wales Hospital.
Investigations into the two suspected cases are still continuing.
Dr Saw advised members of the public that the best way to combat influenza infection was to build up body resistance by having a proper diet with adequate exercise and rest.
"Good ventilation should be maintained to avoid the spread of respiratory tract infection.
"As for the young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, they should seek medical consultations promptly if they develop influenza-like illness," Dr Saw added.