'Pig Fever' Added to HK's Notifiable Disease List
Posted on: Tuesday, 2 August 2005, 09:01 CDT
'Pig fever' added to HK's notifiable disease list
HONG KONG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Streptococcus suis (described as pig fever) will be added to the infectious disease list in Hong Kong's Quarantine & Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, according to a government press release on Monday.
Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food York Chow said on Monday that the move will enable the government to strengthen surveillance, and aid early detection and implementation of health control measures.
The Prevention of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Regulations requires medical practitioners to notify the Director of Health if they have reason to suspect the existence of any infectious diseases specified in the ordinance.
Chow said measures have been stepped up since the Sichuan outbreak to ensure food and health safety. However, as few Streptococcus suis cases have been reported in the past, and the fact the bacteria can be killed through thorough cooking, the secretary said the chance of having an outbreak in Hong Kong is slim.
Chow said pig farm inspection has been strengthened and farmers urged to dispose of carcasses properly. The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has imposed additional requirements on pig farm licenses and will revoke them if farmers do not comply.
Director of Health Lam Ping-yan said three local experts have met 30 patients in Sichuan to better understand their background and clinical history. They noted patients mainly contracted the disease through contact with infected pigs, and there is no co-infection among patients. If patients seek early treatment, the disease can be treated with antibiotics.
The Ministry of Health said that as of Monday, 198 people have been affected, including 38 laboratory-confirmed cases. Among the patients, 36 died and 18 were discharged. In Hong Kong there has been 11 infections reported since May last year.
Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS
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