Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong

Dear Members, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Hong Kong The Hong Kong Department of Health has produced a slide briefing to provide the public with a greater understanding of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Key points are listed below. To view the slideshow, visit: http://www.chamber.org.hk/info/sars/SARS_IBC2.htm Key points are: Cause: It is a new type of disease. Based on the current evidence, it is likely to be caused by a new type of virus, and the mode of transmission is mainly through droplet spread and/or direct contact with respiratory secretions. There is no evidence of airborne transmission. Progress: - Community education has been strengthened to increase public awareness of the disease, the symptoms and ways of prevention. - Disease surveillance system and public health control measures for severe acute respiratory syndrome are in place. - Rapid diagnostic test for patients in the early stage of illness is now available. - There is treatment for the disease, and the vast majority of patients can recover. Overall situation: - Out of the 883 cases recorded as of 7 April 2003, 127 have recovered and been discharged from hospital, 23 died. - Among the 23 fatal cases, 69% were aged 60 or above, and 81% had pre-existing chronic illness. - Health care workers constituted 23.5% of all cases, the Amoy Garden cluster constituted 34%, and the rest were other patients, family members and visitors to hospitals. Key messages: - Hong Kong is safe for local residents as well as visitors - Hong Kong has high quality medical and public health services - Travellers should be aware of the symptoms of the disease and persons with those symptoms should not travel until they have recovered. The latest information on SARS in Hong Kong and in China can be found via the Chamber Web site. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce 8 April 2003