Ebola virus under watch
July 30, 2014
The Centre of Health Protection and the Hospital Authority have boosted surveillance and control measures for the Ebola virus in light of the outbreak in West Africa.
The centre’s Community Medicine Consultant Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan told reporters today more than 1,200 cases have been confirmed in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since March.
Anyone in Hong Kong with a fever who visited these three countries in the last three weeks will be sent to the Communicable Disease Centre in Princess Margaret Hospital for isolated treatment, she said.
The authority’s Chief Infection Control Officer Dr Dominic Tsang said the patient will be immediately tested for the virus.
Letters will be sent to all doctors today explaining the assessment criteria for Ebola, and reminding them to report suspected cases.
Travellers going to the three countries are advised to ensure good personal hygiene; avoid contact with ill people, body fluids and animals; cook food thoroughly; and, consult a doctor immediately if they feel ill.
Click here for information on the virus.
