The Philippine Embassy in Muscat wishes to inform the Filipino community especially Filipino travelers to Hong Kong regarding the widespread of winter influenza (flu) epidemic.

Influenza (flu) is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August in Hong Kong. It is an infection caused by various strains of influenza viruses. There are three types of influenza viruses that were recognized, namely: A, B, and C. Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus has now become one of the seasonal influenza strains in Hong Kong. The winter’s dominant virus strain is a mutated variant of H3N2.

As of 05 February 2015, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of Hong Kong SAR disclosed that the death toll reached 118 and the number of severe cases this year reached 187.

For more health information, please visit the web page of CHP for influenza at http://www.chp.gov.hk or call CHP hotline no. 2125-1111.

For information and guidance. Thank you.