The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at noon today (January 24), public hospitals had reported to the Department of Health (DH) the admission of 70 patients (33 male and 37 female, aged 7 months to 91) in the past 24 hours who met the reporting criteria of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent. Specimens of the patients concerned have been sent to the DH for testing. Ninety-six patients are still under isolation and 91 patients are in stable condition. Two patients (at North District Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital) are in serious condition due to their underlying diseases while three North District Hospital patients are in critical condition due to their underlying diseases.
 
     The HA will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health today (January 24) reported that the suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) pending results yesterday (January 23) upon preliminary testing tested negative for MERS Coronavirus. 

     Hongkong Post announced today (January 24) that postal services to the following destinations have returned to normal.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals made the following announcement today (January 24):
 
     Three patients (aged 58 to 83) and one staff member of a female Geriatric Rehabilitation and Extended Care Ward presented with respiratory symptoms since January 21. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Influenza A. Two patients are in stable condition while another 81-year-old patient passed away due to her underlying disease. The staff member concerned has recovered.
      
     Furthermore, regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Influenza A in a male Geriatric Rehabilitation and Extended Care Ward, one more 42-year-old patient and two staff members in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged and the test results were positive for Influenza A. The patient concerned is in stable condition. One staff member concerned has recovered and the other staff member is currently on leave.
      
     Admission to the wards has been suspended. Visiting has also been suspended except for special circumstances. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
      
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 24) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From January 17 to 23, the CHP confirmed four imported DF cases. The patients had respectively been to the Philippines (two cases), Cambodia (one case) and Thailand (one case) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (January 23), a total of 11 cases of DF had been recorded in 2020, all of which were imported cases from countries including the Philippines (six), Thailand (two), Vietnam (two) and Cambodia (one).
   
     According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, a total of 6 066 cases had been recorded in Guangdong in 2019, which nearly doubled that in 2018 (3 315 cases). In Taiwan, as of yesterday, 19 imported cases (none local) have been recorded in 2020.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf). Members of the public should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.

     ​"Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.