Published Date 10-FEB-2003
Subject PRO/EDR> Pneumonia - China (Guangdong): RFI


PNEUMONIA - CHINA (GUANGDONG): RFI
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A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

[1]
Date: 10 Feb 2003
From: Stephen O. Cunnion, MD, PhD, MPH <cunnion@erols.com>

This morning I received this e-mail and then searched your archives and found nothing that pertained to it. Does anyone know anything about this problem?

"Have you heard of an epidemic in Guangzhou? An acquaintance of mine from　a teacher's chat room lives there and reports that the hospitals there have been closed and people are dying."

--

Stephen O. Cunnion, MD, PhD, MPH
International Consultants in Health, Inc
Member ASTM&H, ISTM
<cunnion@erols.com>

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[2]
Date: 10 Feb 2003
From: Jack Soo <kyip@gmx.net>
Source: Hong Kong's Information Services Department [edited]
<http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/030210/html/030210en05017.htm>

Take precautions when traveling abroad
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The public should take precautions when traveling abroad and tell doctors if there are signs of fever or infections that do not abate and are unusual, says Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong.

Commenting on the problem of pneumonia on the Mainland, Dr Yeoh said the Department of Health has already touched base with the Guangdong authorities to learn more about the type of infection prevalent there. The department will also determine whether there is any particular risk of that infection coming to Hong Kong.

He assured the public that the Government is always on the alert, as the Department of Health has a very good communicable disease surveillance system.

Coupled with the network of reporting sources both from the public and private sectors, as well as communication channels with authorities on the Mainland and Macau, the Government is informed of any infections that may spread to Hong Kong.

He called on the public not to be unduly concerned." We'll certainly be doing our part as the health authorities, but individuals should always take precautions when they travel aboard," he added.
--
Jack Soo <kyip@gmx.net>