Chairman's Announcement (22 Mar 2019)

Keep Vigilant Against Measles

In view of the recent measles cases detected in Hong Kong as well as the measles outbreaks in neighbouring countries, in particular the Philippines and Japan, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health appealed to the public to be vigilant on the disease activity. The most effective way to prevent measles is to get vaccination.

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It can be transmitted by airborne droplet spread or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons. The incubation period of measles ranges from 7 days to up to 21 days. Contacts who are not immune to measles may develop relevant symptoms, such as fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Those suspected to have been infected are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible and reveal relevant contact history of measles to healthcare professionals.

In Hong Kong, children are given the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 1 year old, followed by a second dose at Primary One under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. The coverage of MMR vaccination in Hong Kong is over 95% at Primary One.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. If you are planning to travel to places with high incidence or outbreaks of measles, you should review your vaccination history and past medical history, especially people born outside Hong Kong who might not have received measles vaccination during childhood. Those who have not received two doses of measles-containing vaccines, with unknown vaccination history or with unknown immunity against measles are urged to consult their doctor for advice on vaccination at least two weeks before departure.

For more information on measles, please visit the Measles Thematic Page of the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/100419.html).

Chairman's Announcement (3 Jan 2019)

Protection against winter seasonal influenza

According to the latest surveillance data of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, the overall influenza activity in Hong Kong has continued to increase, indicating that Hong Kong has entered the winter influenza season. The University Health Service will closely monitor the health surveillance on campus. Students and staff should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.

The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to advise university members 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;
• Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
• Cover nose and mouth while 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;
• Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

For the latest information on influenza, please visit the Influenza Page of the Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/14843.html).