Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases
Latest information from WHO
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According to the latest report from the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 18, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported eight confirmed cases of Ebola disease, 395 suspected cases and 106 related deaths. Uganda has also reported two cases of Ebola disease and one related death.
Port health measures
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At the same time, notices have been posted in the airport’s arrival area. The CHP has co-ordinated with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to broadcast announcements in the arrival hall. The CHP is also urging, through relevant airlines, passengers who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively declare their travel history to the Port Health Division officers upon arrival in Hong Kong for further health assessment. Regarding the isolation and referral mechanism for suspected cases, if an inbound traveller exhibits relevant symptoms and is assessed as a suspected case by the Port Health Division officers, arrangements will be made immediately to transfer the individual to the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre for isolation and examination. The individual will remain in isolation until the specimens test negative for the virus.
The CHP has also provided the AAHK and airlines with the latest information on the virus and urged airlines to remind their flight crews to strictly enforce established prevention and control measures if they identify suspected cases on their flights. Furthermore, the CHP has stepped up its publicity efforts at all boundary control points, including making public announcements and displaying posters, to remind travellers to be vigilant about Ebola.
Disease surveillance
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As of today, no confirmed or suspected Ebola disease cases have been recorded in Hong Kong.
In addition, the CHP convened a meeting yesterday (May 18) with representatives from the HA Head Office, Chief Infection Control Officer Office, and the HA’s experts in infectious disease and clinical microbiology, to discuss various issues thoroughly, including the isolation and testing of suspected cases, infection control measures and quarantine arrangements for close contacts.
Quarantine facilities
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Public education
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The HKSAR Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Response Plan to safeguard public health. Relevant government departments are fully prepared and will closely monitor the development of the epidemic, adjusting prevention and control strategies as necessary.
As the current risk of infection is primarily concentrated in affected areas overseas, the CHP urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to affected countries and regions. Relevant travel advice has been uploaded to the Security Bureau’s Outbound Travel AlertsIssued at HKT 18:52
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