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 (April 29) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, and that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

     From April 21 to 27, one community-acquired LD case was reported. The male patient, aged 72 with underlying illnesses, lives in Boundary Building, Boundary Street 2, 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 April 27, 19 LD cases had been reported in 2019. In 2018 and 2017, there were 105 and 72 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 leading to stagnant water; 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 which support breathing. People may get 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. A shower may also generate small aerosols; 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.

     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

TAC briefed on proposal for carrying oxygen cylinders for self-medical use on franchised buses and road safety enhancement measures

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
      
     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) was briefed today (April 29) on the proposed legislative amendments for allowing access to franchised buses for persons carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use, as well as two road safety enhancement initiatives, namely a Road Safety Audit and a Road Safety Check.
      
     As announced in the Public Transport Strategy Study Report released by the Government in June 2017, in order to further enhance “Transport for All”, the Government proposes to amend the legislation to allow access to franchised buses for persons carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use.
      
     The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said “Members of the TAC welcomed the Government’s proposed legislative amendments to allow passengers carrying compressed oxygen cylinders for self-medical use to travel on franchised buses, without affecting the safety and normal service of franchised buses, with a view to facilitating their use of franchised bus services. Members also noted that to ensure smooth implementation, publicity would be stepped up before the introduction of the new measure so that passengers, particularly those requiring long-term oxygen therapy, would be aware of the relevant arrangements.”
      
     For the purpose of enhancing road safety, the Government has been implementing a Road Safety Audit for new road projects and road improvement works as well as a Road Safety Check on existing roads. 
      
     “Members supported the work to enhance road safety, and noted that the Transport Department has taken a precautionary approach in enhancing the safety performance of road projects through the implementation of a Road Safety Audit during various stages, including planning, design, construction and pre-opening stages. Road safety auditors will recommend corresponding road safety enhancement measures to reduce the chance of driving errors and mitigate the severity of traffic accidents arising from driving errors so as to create a safer road environment,” Professor Cheung said.
      
     The Transport Department and Highways Department will also enhance the safety performance of existing roads through a Road Safety Check. They will research the latest road safety development and technologies in other jurisdictions and conduct trials at suitable locations in Hong Kong. read more

East Asia