Chairman's Announcement (14 Aug 2017)

Prevent Mosquito-borne Diseases

In view of recent local cases of dengue fever, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to remind students and staff to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

Please take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and long trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (Dengue Fever) or at least 21 days (Zika Virus Infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and users should take heed of the tips below:

• Read carefully the label instructions first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

For more information, please refer to the webpage of the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health:
- Dengue fever (http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/38847.html)
- Zika virus infection (http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/43086.html)

Chairman's Announcement (18 Jul 2017)

Alert on Sharp Increase in Seasonal Influenza Activity

According to the latest surveillance data of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, the local seasonal influenza activity has been increasing markedly in the past two weeks and has reached a very high level. CHP foresees that the influenza activity will remain at a high level in the coming weeks. Young children, elderly people and patients with chronic diseases are prone to influenza infection and its complications. Members of the public are urged to observe strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene for better protection against the seasonal influenza.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) would like to remind the staff and students to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70-80% alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks in such places; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

For more information about Influenza, please visit:
http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html

Chairman's Announcement (24 Feb 2017)

Hong Kong has entered the winter influenza season

The local seasonal influenza activity steadily increased from baseline level and may rise further in the coming weeks, as shown by the latest surveillance data of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health.

Among the respiratory specimens received by CHP, the percentage tested positive for influenza viruses rose from 6.2% in the first week of January to 9.12% last week. The predominating influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3N2) (86.8%). In recent weeks, the number of influenza-like illness outbreaks in institutions and schools reported to the CHP also showed an increasing trend.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection (CHPP) would like to remind the staff and students to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks in such places; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

For more information about Influenza, please visit:
http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html

Chairman's Announcement (4 Jan 2017)

Prevent Avian Influenza

So far this winter, Hong Kong has recorded two human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), according to reports of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. In the meantime, human avian influenza cases were detected in a number of provinces in China. There were also reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry farms in different regions in Asia and Europe.

Since the activity of avian influenza is expected to increase in winter based on its seasonal pattern, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to advise the university community to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel. For example, wash hands frequently, avoid touching birds, poultry or their droppings and visiting poultry markets or farms during travel. If feeling unwell such as having fever or cough, wear a mask and seek medical advice at once. Travellers returning from affected areas should consult doctors promptly if symptoms develop and let them know their travel history.

For more information about Avian Influenza, please visit CHP's website: http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html