16 February 2004
Dear Doctor,
Influenza season in Hong Kong
We would like to share with you the recent activity of human influenza in Hong Kong. During the week Feb 8-14, the Department of Health (DH), investigated 29 respiratory tract outbreaks in schools affecting 433 persons. This was a significant increase compared with Feb 1-7, when there were 3 outbreaks affecting 75 persons. These outbreaks occurred mainly among school children. Eight outbreaks during Feb 1-14 are now confirmed by the Public Health Laboratory Center to be influenza A. Only two laboratory confirmed influenza A outbreaks occurred in January 2004.
The recent influenza isolates are predominantly of the A (H3N2) type, and subtyping is now in progress in DH's Public Health Laboratory Centre. The sharp increase in community wide influenza outbreaks may signal the arrival of the influenza season in Hong Kong. Historical data suggests that the increased influenza activity may last for about 6-10 weeks.
The DH has created a dedicated website which contains influenza surveillance results, health advice on prevention of influenza, and weekly summary on influenza activity. The address is 这连结会以新视窗打开。 http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html .
To report influenza outbreaks in institutions, please contact the respective Regional Office of the DH. The contact numbers are as follows:
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Regional Office
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Fax No.
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Tel. No.
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Hong Kong
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2572 7582
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2961 8729
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Kowloon
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2375 8451
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2199 9149
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New Territories East
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2699 7691
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2158 5107
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New Territories West
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2439 9622
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2615 8571
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