HK CE pledges resources to fight H7N9

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung says Tuesday that the government will ensure adequate manpower and resources to fight any possible H7N9 outbreak in the city.

Speaking to the media, Leung said he will visit one of the biggest hospitals in Hong Kong, Princess Margaret Hospital, the Hospital Authority and the Center for Health Protection Wednesday to inspect their preventative measures against the bird flu H7N9.

Leung emphasized that prevention measures at four levels - personal, local, Chinese Mainland, and global - will enhance the city's ability to curb the spread of the disease.

He urged people to pay attention to personal hygiene, and consult a doctor immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms.

In response to the H7N9 avian influenza outbreak affecting people in the eastern region of the Mainland, Hong Kong officials have decided to step up surveillance of live poultry and poultry products bound for Hong Kong, by increasing the sample size and the frequency of farm inspections.  

In the mean time, rapid avian influenza tests will be implemented on April 11 in Hong Kong to ensure imported chickens are virus-free.