Avian influenza: risk, preparedness and the roles of public health nurses in Hong Kong.
This paper provides an overview of the Hong Kong government's influenza preparedness plan and the key roles of public health nurses in that plan. The part played by Hong Kong public health nurses in the management of the avian influenza outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997 and the sudden acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003, together with the capacity-building work they are now undertaking in preparing for an influenza pandemic, highlight their crucial role in public health. Recent strengthening of public health infrastructure in Hong Kong and heightened public awareness of public health issues have facilitated more proactive and effective public health nursing activities.
Public Health Nursing Division, Department of Health, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong.
Georgina
G
Ho
Judith
J
Parker
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D016358:Contact Tracing; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014943:Global Health; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014944:World Health Organization