Chairman's Announcement (29 Aug 2018)

Update on anti-mosquito measures on campus

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has confirmed 27 local dengue fever cases since mid-August. With the start of the new academic year next week, we place high emphasis on the prevention and control of mosquitoes on campus. The Committee on Health Promotion and Protection takes the lead and collaborates with various servicing units including Estates Management Office, University Safety Office, Security and Transport Office, Communications and Public Relations Office, and University Health Service to heighten the anti-mosquito measures.

Anti-mosquito control measures such as applying larvicidal oil and mosquito fogging have been carried out more frequently. This week we will distribute posters and leaflets regarding Dengue Fever and mosquito prevention to departments and colleges. University Health Service will have surveillance on mosquito-related diseases for staff and students visiting our clinic.

For enquiries on Dengue Fever, please call our CHPP Information Co-ordinator at 3943 6436.

For more information, please visit the Dengue Fever page of the Centre for Health Protection (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38847.html), and the Travel Health Service website (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html).

Chairman's Announcement (15 Aug 2018)

Prevention of Dengue Fever

We would like to draw your attention that four local cases of Dengue Fever were recorded yesterday (14 August) by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. Dengue Fever is an acute febrile illness. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infective mosquito and the incubation period ranges from 3 to 14 days. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, rash, muscle and joint pains. In severe cases, manifestations of bleeding tendency and even death may occur.

We would like to urge staff and students to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel. In the rainy season, 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 the 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 trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

Dengue fever is an endemic illness in many countries in Southeast Asia. To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, 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.

For more information, please visit the Dengue Fever pages of the Centre for Health Protection (https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/38847.html) and its Travel Health Service (https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_dengue.html).

Chairman's Announcement (23 Apr 2018)

Travel Health Advice: Measles Outbreak in Okinawa, Japan

In view of the ongoing outbreak of measles in Okinawa, Japan since late-March involving a total of 65 confirmed cases (as of April 18), the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health appealed to the travellers and members of the public for vigilance and reiterated that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

People who intend to travel to Okinawa are advised to review their vaccination history. Non-immune individuals are advised to consult their doctors about measles vaccination, which is usually given together with mumps and rubella vaccines as Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. As it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against measles, travellers are advised to plan and get vaccinated ahead. For those who had received two doses of measles vaccine or confirmed to have measles infection in the past are considered to be immune to measles.

Pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy, and children aged under one year should consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are not sure whether they are immune to measles. If they are non-immune to measles, they are advised not to travel to Okinawa during the outbreak.

For more information on measles, the public may call the 24-hour health education hotline 2833 0111 of the Department of Health or visit the CHP's measles page (http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/31.html). They can also visit the Travel Health Service's website (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html) for the latest travel health advice.

Chairman's Announcement (4 Jan 2018)

Heightened vigilance against increasing seasonal influenza activity

According to the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, both local and global seasonal influenza activities have increased in the past two weeks. The University Health Service will closely monitor the situation on campus. Students and staff should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop. With the impending arrival of the winter influenza season, the Committee on Health Promotion and Protection would like to advise university members to receive seasonal influenza vaccination as early as possible, and to observe good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.

Please observe the following measures to prevent influenza and respiratory tract infections:

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