Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Yeoh Eng-kiong on Tuesday
shared Hong Kong's experience in tackling SARS at a global conference on the
disease in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to a government press release.
Addressing the plenary session of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s
Global Conference on SARS, Yeoh gave an overview of what was currently known
about the clinical behavior of SARS by local clinicians and medical experts.
He explained in particular the significance of environmental sources of
infection as experienced during the outbreak at Amoy Gardens, which had
witnessed the contraction of SARS of some 300 patients.
Yeoh then went into details to explain Hong Kong's strategy in controlling
the epidemic. He shared with participants the four strategies that were taken in
terms of early detection, swift contact tracing, early isolation and quarantine,
and effective containment.In particular, he noted, the enhanced computer
surveillance system -- Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System
(MIIDSS) -- which had helped swift contact tracing of suspected and confirmed
cases, and the setting up of a multi-disciplinary response team comprising
various government departments in carrying out prompt investigation and remedial
actions.Noting elderly persons with long-term illness had a higher incidence of
death associated with SARS and that some of them did not present the symptom of
fever, Yeoh pointed out that all elderly discharged patients had to be isolated
for 10 more days in order to reduce the risk of spread.Apart from this strict
discharge policy, the government had also issued written guidelines on infection
control for elderly homes. Appropriate training had also been provided to
careers and inspections had been stepped up to ensure compliance with the
guidelines and precautionary measures, he added.Noting the allocation of some
HK$1.7 billion (US$218 million) since the outbreak for strengthening public
health work and medical research, Yeoh said the government was committed to
protecting Hong Kong's public health.
Yeoh went on to say that effective control of infectious diseases such as
SARS required strong international collaborative partnership and cross-border
co-operation.
The two-day global conference on June 17-18 is being held by WHO to gather
expert views about the effectiveness of the response to date and the likely
evolution of SARS in both the near future and longer term.
It is being attended by more than 1,000 scientists and clinicians, including
specialists who have been at the front-line of SARS investigation and response
since the outbreak of SARS.
