How hectic Hong Kong is turning into hotbed of infectious diseases
Doctors warn that since 2003 Sars outbreak awareness of diseases has grown, but many Hongkongers are too busy to take the preventative action needed
Busy and hectic lives mean an increasing number of Hongkongers have little time to consider personal hygiene, a phenomenon which has inadvertently turned the city into a hotbed of infectious diseases, a medical expert has cautioned.
Every year Hong Kong is hit by seasonal flu outbreaks, most commonly occurring from January to March and July to August. On top of that, the city also has to deal with about 50 infectious diseases including chickenpox and tuberculosis.
Despite these, Hongkongers still fail to fully acknowledge the threat to the community in the city’s war against disease, according to University of Hong Kong microbiologist Dr Ho Pak-leung. He says that since the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, public awareness about communicable illnesses has grown, but high infection rates abound due to a lack of action.
“People know about the preventive measures but don’t put them into practice,” Ho says.
Inaction is just as bad as having zero awareness, he says.
