Dr. Albert Au, Head of Communicable Disease Branch for the Department of Health, stated today (Jan. 28) that the Department is closely monitoring the recent outbreak of Nipah virus infections in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Since mid-January, at least five cases have been reported in the area. Dr. Au noted that no suspected imported or local infection cases have been identified in Hong Kong, and the preliminary assessment indicates a low risk of the virus entering Hong Kong. He advised residents to remain vigilant and take appropriate preventive measures if traveling to affected areas.
Dr. Au explained that the outbreak in India is primarily concentrated in a hospital in Kolkata, and no cross-border transmission or large-scale community outbreak has been detected. He mentioned that Hong Kong has the necessary testing capabilities and, out of caution, has strengthened temperature monitoring and medical assessments for travelers arriving from India at the airport since yesterday (Jan. 27). The authorities will continue to adjust control measures based on risk assessments.
Dr. Au explained that the Nipah virus can be transmitted through various means, including direct contact with respiratory secretions or tissues of infected animals such as pigs, horses, or bats; consuming food contaminated by bats, such as raw palm juice; and human-to-human transmission primarily via contact with the patient's secretions. He urged residents to maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and pay attention to food safety. When traveling to infected areas, they should avoid contact with wildlife, especially bats, pigs, monkeys, cats, and dogs, and should stay away from bat habitats. Fruits should be thoroughly washed and peeled before consumption, and people should not eat fruits that may have been bitten by bats or drink untreated palm juice and raw fruit juices.
Dr. Au further explained that if travelers from related areas in India exhibit suspected symptoms, they will be arranged to go to public hospitals for detailed examinations and sample testing. If confirmed as an imported case, the authorities will implement isolation measures in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and trace their close contacts.
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