Tag Archives: China

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Update on cases of Legionnaires’ disease

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

     From September 8 to 14, the CHP recorded three community-acquired LD cases:
 

  1. A female patient, aged 60 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Tai Po District;
  2. A male patient, aged 66 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Shatin District; and
  3. A male patient, aged 68 with good past health, who lives in Yau Tsim Mong District.

     “Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     As of September 14, 81 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2023 and 2022, there were 121 and 80 cases respectively.

     “Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels,” the spokesman said.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

     Immunocompromised persons should:
 
  • Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
  • Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
  • If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily. 
     
     The public should observe the health advice below:
 
  • Observe personal hygiene;
  • Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
  • Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
  • If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
  • Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
  • Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
  • Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
  • When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes: 
  1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
  2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
  3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
  4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
  5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

     â€‹â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more

East Asia

CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) held a welcome home reception at Ma On Shan Sports Centre, Sha Tin, today (September 16) to greet the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games returning from the Games.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the reception. He presented certificates of commendation to the Hong Kong athletes who participated in the Games in recognition of their excellent performance at the Games; and extended his appreciation to the coaches, medical team and staff of the Delegation, as well as the relevant sports committees and sports associations.

     Mr Lee said that the athletes overcame their physical limitations to compete in the Games, showcasing their indomitable sportsmanship. When they step onto the field, they show the world the Hong Kong spirit of becoming stronger in the face of challenges. They serve as examples of telling good Hong Kong stories on the international stage.

     The Government has long been supporting the development of sports for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the resources allocated to athletes with disabilities have been increasing. In this financial year, the Government has allocated over $130 million for promoting the development of sports for PWDs, an increase of over 40 per cent compared to five years ago. In collaboration with the HKPC, the Government has launched a five-year pilot programme on career and education for athletes with disabilities to assist them in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skill sets for their post-athletic transformation. The programme will help them start their “second careers”, allowing them to focus on their training and competition without worries. Mr Lee added that the outstanding performance of the athletes in the Paris Paralympic Games reflects the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts in promoting disability sports.

     The 2024 Paralympic Games was held between August 28 and September 8 this year in Paris, France. A total of 23 Hong Kong athletes were sent to take part in eight competition events, namely archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, equestrian, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. With their exceptional skills and perseverance, the Hong Kong team won eight medals in total, including three gold, four silver and one bronze medals in the events of swimming, boccia and badminton. Their performance was impressive, and the results were exciting.

     Also attending the event today were the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Songmiao; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Christile Drulhe; the President of the HKPC, Mrs Jenny Fung; the Chef de Mission of Hong Kong, China Delegation to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Dr John Leung; and the Honorary President of the HKPC, Dr York Chow.

     After the reception, Mr Lee hosted a luncheon at Government House to commend the Delegation for their efforts and outstanding performance in the Games.

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East Asia