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Press Release

CHP appeals for vigilance against hepatitis A

5 March 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 5) drew the public's attention to a recent rise in hepatitis A cases, and hence reminded members of the public to stay alert and maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene.

As of yesterday (March 4), 33 cases of hepatitis A had been recorded this year, indicating an upsurge compared with 12 cases each in the first quarters of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Of note, 20 cases were filed in February 2015, which is the highest monthly number since April 2004.

"The 33 cases so far this year affected 16 males and 17 females aged from 11 to 66, with a median age of 33. All cases are sporadic with patients living in various districts across the territory, including eight on Hong Kong Island, nine in Kowloon and the remaining 16 in the New Territories. All of them are now in stable condition with no fatalities. While the incubation period of hepatitis A is generally long, usually around four weeks but may be as long as 50 days, our investigations are ongoing with a view to studying if the cases were epidemiologically linked," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

In 2012, 2013 and 2014, the yearly totals were 43, 44 and 46 cases respectively.

The CHP will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to alert them to the latest situation.

"Hepatitis A is an infection caused by hepatitis A virus leading to inflammation of the liver cells. It is clinically characterised by poor appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, upper abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes) and tea-coloured urine. The illness may last for a few weeks but in rare cases may take months to resolve. Most patients have a complete recovery, but in a few cases, the damage to the liver may be prolonged," the spokesman explained.

Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted by a faecal-oral route either through contaminated drinks or food such as shellfish, or directly from person to person.

The CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the preventive measures below against hepatitis A:

  • Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before eating or handling food, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
  • Purchase fresh food from reliable sources and do not patronise illegal hawkers;
  • Drinking water should be from the mains and preferably boiled;
  • Avoid high-risk food like shellfish, raw food or semi-cooked food;
  • Clean and wash food thoroughly. Scrub and rinse shellfish in clean water. Remove the viscera if appropriate;
  • Cook food thoroughly. All shellfish should be cooked at boiling temperature for not less than five minutes before eating;
  • Keep the premises and kitchen utensils clean; and
  • Dispose of rubbish properly.

The public may visit the CHP's hepatitis A page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/24.html ) for more information.

5 March 2015