23 May 2009
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (May 23) called on travellers who arrived in Hong Kong yesterday (May 22) from New York by taking a flight of Cathay Pacific Airlines (flight no. CX 831, codeshare American Airlines AA6091), as well as those arrived in Hong Kong on the same day from San Francisco by taking a flight of United Airlines (flight no. UA869, Codeshare US Airways US6465) to call the DH hotline 2125 1111 to facilitate surveillance of their health condition by the health authorities.
The appeal was made following the confirmation of two cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) involving a man and a woman who had taken the flights concerned.
The two confirmed patients detected to have fever by Port Health Office at the airport. They were taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital by ambulances and were admitted to isolation ward in stable condition.
Laboratory analysis on respiratory samples taken from the two patients yielded positive results for human swine influenza today, the spokesman said.
The DH is now tracing passengers sitting on rows 30-34 of CX831 and those sitting on rows 47-53 of UA869 and the crew members of the flights who had served the cabin concerned. Passengers who had travelled in these two flights are urged to call the hotline.
Investigations into the cases are ongoing
Meanwhile, the spokesman called on parents to advise their children studying overseas and having influenza symptoms or fever not to travel until recovery.
Those who feel unwell on plane should put on a face mask and inform the cabin crew to facilitate appropriate arrangements.