21 Apr 2008
In response to media enquiries, the Department of Health (DH) reiterates it, together with the Correctional Services Department (CSD), achieve satisfactory control of tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other infectious diseases in prisons.
The control of infections in Hong Kong prisons is satisfactory and compares favorably with many developed places in the world, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Thomas Tsang said today (April 21).
He said surveys have shown that HIV prevalence among prisoners in Hong Kong was much lower than that of many developed countries.
He noted that CSD and the Special Preventive Programme of CHP work closely on education and prevention of AIDS.
"Furthermore, according to local studies, the prevalence of TB among local prisoners approximates that of the general population, once the effect of illegal immigrants and drug addicts is taken out," Dr Tsang explained.
The apparently excess prevalence of TB and HIV among prisoners as compared with the general population in Hong Kong is attributable to major high-risk groups that contribute the prison population, e.g., illegal immigrants and drug addicts. It is not due to transmission of these infections in the prison.
There is no evidence from available records to indicate there has been any outbreak of TB and HIV in the prison affecting multiple persons.
Dr Tsang said that persons newly admitted to institutions were required by law to undergo medical examination by resident doctors and receive relevant medical treatment whenever necessary.
Prisoners have to undergo chest X-ray screening upon admission to institutions in order to exclude TB. Those with suspicious symptoms will be referred to DH's Tuberculosis and Chest Service for further diagnosis and treatment.
"Based on the CHP's guidelines, CSD stipulates a series of guidelines for institutions on the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
"CSD's institutions will notify CHP whenever infectious diseases are identified or suspected. They will follow CHP's instructions and carry out control measures including medical surveillance, disinfection and isolation.
"Inmates will be sent to public hospitals for further medical treatment if resident doctors consider it necessary," Dr Tsang said.