Control measures at HSI mitigation phase adjusted

27 Jun 2009

A government spokesman today (June 27) said in light of developments of the human swine influenza (HSI Influenza A H1N1), the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) were adjusting mitigation phase measures being implemented against the disease.

The new measures would formally take effect on June 29 and preparatory work was now being undertaken, the spokesman said.

"Most recent data show that HSI has become the dominant strain of influenza virus in Hong Kong, making up more than 70% of all influenza viruses.

"About one in eight patients seen at the HA's Designated Flu Clinics are tested positive for HSI. These data prove that HSI is widely circulating in the community.

"Up to 2.30 pm on June 26, all 596 cases of laboratory confirmed HSI in Hong Kong have been relatively mild, with no patient requiring ICU care.

"Since HSI is now widely circulating, measures such as patient isolation and contact tracing are no longer efficient in reducing transmission. Priority is now accorded to disease surveillance and management of clinically more severe cases.

"Clinical specimens will continue to be collected at Designated Flu Clinics and public hospitals to monitor the activity of HSI in the community on a daily basis," the spokesman said.

He said that the CHP would issue letters to doctors informing them that the authority would provide laboratory support for patients with severe illnesses suspected to be due to HSI so as to facilitate reporting of these cases.

"CHP will focus epidemiological investigations on severely ill patients with HSI as well as HSI associated outbreaks involving schools and institutions. Case investigation and contact tracing for other individual cases of HSI is no longer necessary," the spokesman noted.

He reminded members of the public to strictly observe personal hygiene measures.

"Estates management should maintain environmental hygiene of their buildings at all times. The list of buildings affected by HSI will no longer be maintained as HSI is now widely circulating in the local community," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, temperature screening, health declarations and broadcast of health messages at the control points would remain unchanged, he noted.

The spokesman said starting June 29, travelers with mild symptoms and intercepted at all boundary control points would be provided with face mask and guidance notes for seeking medical consultation.

"As for severe case, Port Health Officers will take them to public hospitals by ambulance for medical examination," he said.