Asia and Oceania

There are confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu in Hong Kong. These include both imported cases and cases of local human-to-human transmission.  The Hong Kong SAR Government have lowered their H1N1 mitigation arrangements. Confirmed H1N1 patients and people they have come into contact with will no longer be quarantined.  Only those travellers who have severe conditions will be taken to public hospitals for medical assessment.  Travellers with mild symptoms will be provided with a face-mask and guidance notes for seeking medical consultation.   You can check for further updates on the number of confirmed and suspected cases through the You can check for further updates on the number of confirmed and suspected cases through the Centre for Health Protection Hong Kong. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information.  Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health.

The UK and Hong Kong Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement ended in June 1997.

You may undergo temperature screening at borders.  Depending on results, further medical examinations may be required.

Every year several cases of dengue fever are reported in Hong Kong.  

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Hong Kong and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
 

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There have been a small number of cases of H5N1 being found in poultry and wild birds within the Hong Kong Specially Administered Region.  However, there have been no reports of human cases. The World Health Organisation (see WHO - Public Health Mapping and GIS Map Library) has confirmed human cases elsewhere in the region and there have been some human fatalities in China. If you plan to visit China please also view the latest China Travel Advice.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.