X1000306-1982-83_Part01 — Page 5

III Communicable Diseases

In the year & cases of Cholera were reported comprising 5 imported cases and 3 indigenous cases with no recent history of travel abroad. There were no secondary cases due to the prompt application of effective control

measures.

One case of canine rabies was notified in the latter part of the year and a mumber of human contacts were given appropriate prophylactic treatment in a nearby medical centre. No human cases were reported. Preventive measures against rabies were once again stepped up with a further widening of the established 'cordon-sanitaire' in the northern area of the New Territories.

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No poliomyelitis case was reported in the year and the incidence of other childhood communicable diseases like whooping cough and diphtheria remains under control. One isolated case of diphtheria was reported. boy aged nine developed the acute illness with fulminating clinical symptoms. In spite of intensive treatment the patient succumbed with myocarditis. It was noted that the patient had not completed the recommended anti-diphtheria immunization course in early childhood.

The

In 1982, 1,863 cases of measles were notified with 5 deaths. measles vaccination campaign continued throughout the year to promote vaccination of children aged one year and above. A total of 70,919 doses of vaccine were administered. During the year a total of 83,823 doses of Type I polio vaccine and 158,430 doses of trivalent vaccine were also administered, covering some 95% of local children under the age of one.

Rubella continued to occur in a sporadic fashion, including an outbreak recorded in the latter part of the year. Cases were reported from some schools, bones and offices. The rubella vaccination programme was introduced in 1978 to primary 6 school girls aged 11-14 years. Presently, the programme covers over 95 percent of all girls in Primary VI classes. The vaccination programme is also available to specific groups of women of child-bearing age including nurses, teachers, social workers and mothers visiting Family Health Centres.

In 1982 a total of 80 cases of malaria were reported, including one indigenous and two congenital cases. The Remainder were fresh recurrent cases and imported cases, affecting mainly foreign and local travellers and refugees from nearby South-East Asian countries. All cases were thoroughly investigated and anti-malaria measures including entomological surveys were instituted where ever necessary. Four cases of Japanese B Encephalitis were confirmed in the course of the year.

Many gastroenteritis diseases are still endemic in the region and they occur from time to time in minor outbreaks. There were 215 outbreaks of acute food poisoning involving some 870 people. The common organisms responsible for these outbreaks include salmonella, E. Coli, staphylococcus and vibroprahaemolyticus. Active case finding and contact tracing were carried out by the regional health teams. Their efforts have helped in limiting the spread of the disease within the community.

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Virus Hepatitis remains prevalent in the community with 1,8 cases notified and 42 deaths reported in the year. A total of 16 cases of meningococcal meningitis was notified including 1 fatal case. Extensive epidemiological investigations were carried out, including strenuons efforts to locate possible carriers. Appropriate chemotherapy was given to close

contacts.

IV Health Services

Tuberculosis and Chest Services

A total of 7,527 cases of tuberculosis were notified representing

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a rate of 144 per 100,000 population compared with 150 for 1981. tuberculosis death rate is 8.7 per 100,000 compared with 9.5 in 1981, representing about 1.8% of the total registered deaths in 1982. Attendances at Government chest clinics numbered 703,343 compared with 749,759 in 1981, a decline of over 62. The BCC vaccination rate remains very high, covering over 98.9% of newborn infants.

Family Health Services

The Family Health Services of the Medical & Health Department operates 42 MCH centres, providing a comprehensive health programme for women of child-bearing age and children up to five years of age. Family Planning is an important component of the Family Health Services. Ante- natal and post-natal health consultation sessions are conducted for mothers. Immunisation programmes are carried out against tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetamus, poliomyelitis, measles and rubella. During 1982, about 92 per cent of all newborn babies attended Family Health Centres.

The comprehensive observation scheme was introduced in 1978 to detect and assess early developmental abnormalities, and, where necessary, to provide follow-up treatment. The service is now available at 42 Family Health Centres. Children attending these centres may, if their condition warrants it, be referred to Child Assessment Centres or various specialist units for further examination, The system enables rehabilitation processes to start as early as possible.

A Health Education Unit was set up in 1982 to extend health education to expectant mothers at major Government hospitals. Particular emphasis is placed on the promotion of breastfeeding. In addition, a telephone information service has been established to answer public enquiries on health matters,

The Government-subvented Family Planning Association of Hong Kong runs 28 birth control clinics providing vasectomy as well as female sterilization services.

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