Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 9) investigating a case of severe paediatric COVID-19 and a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against respiratory tract infection in winter. The CHP stressed that vaccination can effectively prevent serious COVID-19 and influenza cases, high-risk individuals (including pregnant women) should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Persons who are symptomatic, even if having mild symptoms, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly with a view to lowering the risk of high-risk persons being infected. Strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene should also be observed at all times.

     The COVID-19 severe case involves an 8-month-old girl with good past health. She developed fever, poor appetite, cough and runny nose on December 5, and tested positive for COVID-19 by rapid antigen test (RAT). She developed difficulty in breath and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Kwong Wah Hospital on December 7. She was admitted on the same day and was later arranged to be admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital due to worsening symptoms. Her nasopharyngeal swab was positive for COVID-19 virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was bronchiolitis. She is now in serious condition and is still being hospitalised.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received COVID-19 vaccine. The mother of the baby girl has received the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine prior to the pregnancy.

     The CHP said that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. Members of the public are advised to take note of the latest recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong, while high-risk priority groups (including pregnant women) are recommended to receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months since the last dose or infection, regardless of the number of doses received previously. High risk people who have never been vaccinated or infected with COVID-19 before should adopt additional hygiene measures to protect themselves. Some studies have shown that antibodies generated after vaccination in pregnant women can be passed to the foetus through the umbilical cord. Pregnant women should receive COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy at appropriate times for protection of themselves and the foetus. As the antibodies of infants obtained from mother will decrease over time, the CHP also reminded parents to arrange COVID-19 vaccination for their babies aged six months or above in order to reduce the risk of severe cases and fatalities. For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendation on the use of vaccines, please visit the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106934.html.

     The influenza A infection severe case involves a 7-year-old boy with good past health. He developed fever, chills, malaise, myalgia, runny nose, sore throat and cough with sputum on December 2. He sought medical attention at a private doctor on December 4 and yesterday (December 8) respectively and was referred to the AED of Tuen Mun Hospital due to shortness of breath and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment yesterday. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated pneumonia. He is now in serious condition and is still being hospitalised.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) for this season and had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic. 

     Moreover, influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. The 2023/24 seasonal influenza vaccination programmes have started. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.

     A spokesman for the CHP said that although the current surveillance data revealed no uprising trend of local seasonal influenza and COVID-19 overall activity at the moment, influenza viruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus may become more active in winter and spread at the same time. A person who gets COVID-19 and influenza at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. Getting COVID-19 and influenza vaccination is of vital importance. Members of the public who have not completed COVID-19 vaccination and SIV, particularly children, the elderly and chronic disease patients, should receive vaccination as early as possible for personal protection. Details of receiving both COVID-19 vaccination and SIV are available at website: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106096.html.

     In order to prevent infection of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses as well as the transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental at all times and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• 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 mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹â€‹The public may visit the thematic website of COVID-19, the CHP’s influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. read more

     In response to media enquiries about the licence of a day procedure centre (DPC) in Causeway Bay being cancelled, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) gave the following response today (December 9):

     Regarding the cancellation of the licence of a DPC in Causeway Bay by the DH in accordance with the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633), the statutory period of notification had lapsed. The Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities (ORPHF) of the DH had published the information on its website today (www.directory.orphf.gov.hk/Directory/en/Common/RecordsOfRegulatoryActions), with the date of licence cancellation being December 9, 2023.

     During the DH’s routine inspection at the concerned DPC, the DPC was found to have contravened the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, including possession and suspected use of an unlicensed X-ray machine, suspected handling of injectable pharmaceutical products that are suspected to be unregistered, failing to maintain complete, comprehensive, and accurate medical records of patients, as well as failing to provide relevant information of personnel performing patient consultation and drug prescription.

     The DH discovered that the DPC possesses and is suspected to have used an unlicensed X-ray machine. The X-ray machine is mainly used for X-ray fluoroscopic examination on the limbs. During normal use, the radiation emitted by the X-ray machine would not cause a significant impact on human health. The X-ray machine has been marked and sealed.

     Besides, the DPC is suspected to have handled injectable vitamin preparations that are suspected to be unregistered. In general, injectable vitamin preparations could be used to treat relevant vitamin-deficiency diseases. The DH has requested the DPC to contact the patients who have used the suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH has not received any reports of adverse events related to this DPC so far.

     With regard to the suspected illegal medical practice and professional misconduct, the DH has referred to the Police and the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up respectively.

     Under the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303), possession or use of unlicenced X-ray machine constitutes an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and two-year imprisonment.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A), illegal supply of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two-year imprisonment.

     The DH is continuing its follow-up on the suspected use of an unlicensed X-ray machine and handling of unregistered pharmaceutical products that are suspected to be unregistered by the DPC, as well as obstructing or delaying authorised officers of the DH in performing their functions. The DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice for prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation. Referral would be made to relevant enforcement agencies or authorities as appropriate.

     The DH reminded members of the public who have received treatment/injection at the abovementioned DPC to seek medical attention if feeling unwell. Also, injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. read more

     Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales from 7am to 12.30pm today (December 9). They are, on Hong Kong Island, Life Education Activity Programme; in Kowloon, The Hong Kong Buddhist Association; and in the New Territories, Sai Kung District Community Centre, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said.
      
     Arrangements have been made with the charities to help people to distinguish among the three flag-selling activities.    
      
     Information on the three flag-selling organisations on December 9 is as follows:
 

Region	Name of organisation	Colour of collection bag	Colour of flag
Hong Kong Island	Life Education Activity Programme	Yellow	White
Kowloon	The Hong Kong Buddhist Association	Yellow	Blue
New Territories	Sai Kung District Community Centre	Green	Green

 
     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permits have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search). Permits for flag days containing information on contact methods of the flag-selling organisations and the approved flag-selling activities have also been uploaded to the SWD’s website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/ngo/controlofc/flagdays) for reference. For enquiries, please call the SWD’s hotline at 2343 2255, or the designated hotline of the 1823 Call Centre at 3142 2678.
      
     In the case of suspected fraudulent flag day activities, people should not make any donation and should immediately report the matter to the Police, the spokesman added. read more

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) presents film productions by Ann Hui, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers from Hong Kong, under the “Tribute to Ann Hui” section at the 19th FILMASIA festival, taking place from December 7 to 11 in Prague (Prague time).

     The festival welcomed the Hong Kong director Ann Hui as a special guest in Prague, who “contributed to Hong Kong’s prosperous film industry like hardly anyone else” as the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, said in her speech at the festival’s opening ceremony. Ann Hui would also give a masterclass on December 8.

     Hong Kong has always been a melting pot where East meets West, connecting people from different cultures. To further the city’s efforts in establishing itself as an international cultural exchange hub, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is mapping out a blueprint for arts and culture and creative industries development, nurturing a diverse talent pool, and upgrading cultural infrastructure to further enhance the relevant ecosystem.

     “I sincerely invite all the film and creative professionals to come to Hong Kong, and join us in creating even better quality productions to bring a positive impact to the world”, Ms Szeto added.

About HKETO Berlin

     The HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 8) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
      
     From December 1 to yesterday (December 7), the CHP recorded four imported DF cases. The patients had been to Cambodia (one case), Malaysia (one case) and Thailand (two cases) respectively during the incubation periods.
      
     As of yesterday, 59 imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2023. In 2022, 26 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     “Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should 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.

     
     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully 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 children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     â€‹â€‹The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more