[rani]

Flight passengers urged to contact DH
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The Department of Health (DH) today (April 1) called on passengers who had travelled from Bangkok to Hong Kong on flight TG 606 (Thai Airways International) arriving at 7.45 pm on March 29 to call DH's hotline 2961 8968 for health advice on severe acute respiratory syndrome and surveillance.


The plea was made as DH's investigation found that a 30-year-old man who had taken the flight developed symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome during his stay in Bangkok between March 25 and 29.


The man was admitted to Princes Margaret Hospital on March 29. He is in stable condition.


DH has informed the Airport Authority and the airline. Advice was given to the airline concerned to disinfect the airplane.


DH is tracing the crew members and passengers who had taken the flight for surveillance purposes.


A DH spokesman called on members of the public who have respiratory symptoms including fever, chills, malaise and cough to avoid traveling by plane before recovery.


He reminded the public to adopt the following precautionary measures to prevent atypical pneumonia:


* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;


* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;


* Maintain good ventilation; avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;


* Do not share towels;


* Consult a doctor promptly if you develop respiratory symptoms and fever.


End/Tuesday, April 1, 2003
Department of Health