Press Releases

Transcript of media session by SHWF on meningitis cases

        Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, at the Central Government Offices today (February 1):

 

Reporter: (meningococcal meningitis outbreak in the Mainland)

 

Dr Chow: As far as we know, most of the meningitis cases are reported in the northern provinces and related to the cold weather. The spread is mostly in institutions like classrooms. So, it is more related to enclosed environments with poor ventilation. The chance of it being spread to Hong Kong as an outbreak is not very high at this moment. It is important to advise our citizens that if they want to visit the Mainland, they should contact our hotline of the Department of Health to get advice on what to prepare for. There are possible vaccinations for such meningococcal meningitis infection. The current vaccine is also able to cover type "C" of the infection. The advice is to have the vaccination at least two weeks before the travel because it takes two weeks to take effect. But in case they have contacted meningococcal meningitis patients in Mainland China and return to Hong Kong, they are advised to see the doctor and receive proactive antibiotics. I think the message to the public is that we should not be so panic about this because this disease is treatable and preventable. It is also important that if we go anywhere that have a closed environment and with strangers and so on, look after our hygiene, wash our hands. In case of the high risk areas, also put on a mask.

 

Reporter: (On communications between the health authorities of Hong Kong and the Mainland)

 

Dr Chow: As far as the health authority is concerned, I think the communication channel is very adequate. In fact, we were informed yesterday, at the same speed as other provinces in China. We actually get first-hand information from the health authority of China. As far as the red fire ant is concerned, it always takes some time for the Mainland to verify whether it is red fire ant before they can tell us. We also need a few days before we can ascertain ourselves that this is red fire ant. So it is understandable. Unless the information is factual and truthful, otherwise, if any information comes to Hong Kong that turns up to be inaccurate, it will cause unnecessary panic.

 

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)

 

Ends/Tuesday, February 1, 2005

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