Press Releases

SFH on human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) in the Mainland (with photos)

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, before attending a media programme this morning (April 3):

Reporter: Do you see there is a need right now to step up the infection control measures at the border? Do you want to introduce the health declaration requirement?

Secretary for Food and Health: I visited the Lo Wu border this morning to get to understand the operation of the body temperature checking mechanism at the immigration control point. We noticed that there are comments about the accuracy of the infrared whole-body temperature scanning devices, saying that people with a lower degree of fever might not be detected by this device. However, this is a more efficient method when facing a high flow of travellers. Hence, we would (maintain the existing arrangement) and also carry out (random) temperature checks (with handheld devices) on some passengers.

Reporter: Are you concerned that there is a high risk that the actual number of cases in the Mainland is actually more than what is reported? How can you ensure that chickens imported to Hong Kong are all safe?

Secretary for Food and Health: We are very concerned about the situation of human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) in the eastern part of the Mainland, mainly because of the high mortality and the seriousness of the disease. Secondly, the seven patients concerned do not have any epidemiological linkage, meaning that they might have contracted the illness separately in the community. This also means that the virus might be actually circulating widely among wild animals or poultry.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:45

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