HONG KONG H1N1 UPDATE - FIRST LOCAL H1N1

UNCLAS HONG KONG 001065 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, OES/IHB, HHS PASS CDC, HHS FOR OGHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR CASC KFLO PREL PINR HK CH SUBJECT: HONG KONG H1N1 UPDATE - FIRST LOCAL H1N1 TRANSMISSION, HKG ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CLOSURES REF: HONG KONG 940 ¶1. Summary: The Hong Kong Government (HKG) announced the first confirmed local transmission of H1N1 in Hong Kong on June 10, followed by confirmation on June 11 that 12 students were infected in a cluster of cases at the same school. The HKG announced a series of additional steps as required by HKG's existing protocols, including extensive school closures, intended to contain this community outbreak. End Summary. ¶2. Hong Kong health officials disclosed the first confirmed case of local H1N1 transmission on June 10. The individual involved did not travel outside of Hong Kong during the incubation period and was confirmed to have been in contact with an individual who tested positive for the virus. The same day, officials revealed that a 16-year-old Hong Kong student also tested positive. While the source of her infection is unclear, 11 students at St. Paul's Convent School were suspected of having been infected by exposure to her. In response, the HKG immediately ordered St. Paul's closed for two weeks. ¶3. Test results released June 11 confirmed the 11 classmates are infected with H1N1. In response to the cluster of cases and in line with Hong Kong,s existing protocol, the Education Bureau announced a 14-day closure of all nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools, effective June 12. The HKG will assess the situation weekly, beginning June 18, to determine whether conditions permit the re-opening of schools. If schools do not re-open by July 10, all affected schools will go into summer recess. ¶4. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said the HKG will announce the opening of eight "flu clinics" throughout Hong Kong. These clinics are designed to be the primary source of treatment for residents who exhibit symptoms consistent with H1N1. CHP will make a series of public announcements explaining the clinic plan. Plans are in place to open an additional 10 clinics, as and where needed. ¶5. For the present time, the treatment of infected or suspected cases remains the same. Isolation wards are operating at public hospitals to handle confirmed cases and individuals in close contact with an identified case are required to undergo medically supervised treatment and monitoring. If the infection rate overwhelms Hong Kong,s public health services, including the soon-to-be established "flu clinics," CHP plans to provide infected and suspected individuals medication and require self-quarantine at home. DONOVAN