Press Releases
SFH on human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) on the Mainland (with photo)
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food
and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at a public function
this afternoon (April 2):
Reporter: (On the outbreak of human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) on the
Mainland.)
Secretary for Food and Health: In the morning of March 31, we received
notification (from the National Health and Family Planning Commission)
of three cases of Influenza A (H7N9) affecting three persons in
Shanghai and Anhui in the Mainland. The two patients in Shanghai have
passed away and the other patient in Anhui is still receiving
intensive medical treatment in Nanjing. We are concerned about these
reports because, firstly, two of the three patients have already died
and hence superficially the death rate is quite high. Secondly, there
is no epidemiological linkage among the three reported cases which
means that the three patients might have contracted the illness
through different sources. This will have an implication as to whether
there is a spreading of this new H7N9 virus among poultry in the
Mainland.
Reporter: (On the enhanced surveillance and control measures in Hong
Kong.)
Secretary for Food and Health: I convened an urgent meeting this
morning with the Centre for Health Protection (of the Department of
Health), the Hospital Authority, the Centre for Food Safety (of the
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department), and the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department (to discuss the enhanced
surveillance and control measures in view of the confirmed human cases
of Influenza A (H7N9) on the Mainland.) Various measures will be
stepped up. Regarding the border control, we will ensure that the
temperature measuring arrangement at all entry points to Hong Kong
will be strictly adhered to. The infectious control measures in the
hospitals will also be stepped up.
Reporter: What do we know of this new virus so far?
Secretary for Food and Health: The Mainland Authority has already
uploaded the full gene sequence of this particular H7N9 virus onto the
website and our experts in virology are able to have some insights
into the properties of the virus. Firstly, it has an element enabling
it to be adapted to the human environment and that is why there are
human infections. Secondly and luckily, there is no evidence to show
that there is drug-resistance (of this virus) to the two commonly used
anti-influenza medications, including Tamiflu.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:05
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Photo