Five years on, Sars has always been a reproachful epidemic, haunting people especially in China. The harm it has brought to us is unimaginable, and it has still been remembered in every Hong Kongers’ heart. Fortunately, Hong Kong has learnt a lesson, and the inevitable outbreak of H5N2 may be a good chance for us to demonstrate our perseverance.
With the sudden and shocking death of a 3-year old girl on Saturday, Hong Kong is being very sensitive and safe to not making mistakes again. Ho Po-yi, the victim dying of Brisbane H3N2 flu, has a sister with similar symptoms, and was isolated immediately after her sister’s death. Po-yi’s death had happened so abruptly. She had been sent home from hospital and in less than 24 hour, her poor immunity could not withstand the mutated virus from defeating her.
Health authorities promptly imposed remedial measures to stop the virus from spreading at an unchangeable rate. Hours for visiting acutely ill patients have been reduced to two hours per day from the original four hours, implemented in all public hospitals.
Also, health talks will be arranged for school and childcare centers starting from next week to convey the importance of hygiene and prevention of flu. What’s more, there will be daily updates of flu in schools and child-care centers so the citizens will know how the flu has been influencing our society.
Despite all the precautions being carried out, the peak season has yet a few weeks to come. However, one thing for sure is that, the magnitude of the epidemic will not show to be worse than the previous two years. Hitherto 166 cases, of people coming into contact with flu, for last week has been confirmed, compare with the average of 177 cases a week during the winter peak season of last year.
Government says every necessary measures will be adopted, and the government will endeavor their very best to prevent the spread of the disease.
A fundamental problem has to be solved, not only in Hong Kong, but also in China. The outbreak of these epidemics is nothing to do with coincidence. It is a consequence human pay, for them doing something which violates the rules of nature, of eating any animal that suits their appetites. All of us have to change. The change is not to be initiated by the government. All of us are ready to change, to alter our lifestyle.
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