The Department of Health has called on people travelling out of Hong Kong to be on guard against infectious diseases and travel-related hazards.

The plea follows reports of two recent outbreaks of influenza A in neighbouring areas.

The department said there is no cause for alarm in Hong Kong as the usual peak season for influenza is between January and March.

The surveillance programme on influenza-like-illnesses conducted by the department together with general practitioners indicates that the consultation rates for flu have been fluctuating around the baseline for the past five weeks.

However, the public should take preventive measures against influenza which may spread with increased traffic with neighbouring areas or countries.

As gastro-intestinal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, viral hepatitis A and dysentery and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever are prevailing diseases in tropical areas, the department reminds that travellers should be on the alert.

To prevent infection:

* Observe good personal hygiene and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;

* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;

* Build up a good body immunity by having a balanced diet, adequate exercise and rest;

* Avoid smoking;

* Eat only thoroughly cooked food particularly seafood and shellfish, and food fresh from sealed packs or cans;

* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;

* Do not eat fruit that have not been peeled by yourself and fruits and vegetables that have not been thoroughly cleansed;

* Do not patronise food hawkers;

* Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers;

* Use insect repellent over exposed parts of the body; and,

* Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.

The department calls on travellers to consult a doctor at once if they feel ill after returning to Hong Kong. They should inform the doctor of their travel history so as to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

For more information, please the department's travel health advice website.