Three-level Response Systems

The Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic includes a three-level response system based on the different risk-graded epidemiological scenarios relevant to Hong Kong

1. Alert Response Level

2. Serious Response Level

3. Emergency Response Level

Notes:

1-Alert Response Level

The Alert Response Level would be activated under scenarios where there are:

  • Confirmation of HPAI outbreaks in poultry populations outside Hong Kong;
    or
  • Confirmed human case(s) of avian influenza outside Hong Kong;
    or
  • Confirmation of HPAI detected in imported birds in quarantine, in wild birds, in recreational parks, in pet bird shops or in the natural environment in Hong Kong.

The main objectives of response measures at this response level would be to obtain timely and accurate information from other places with a view to prevent introduction of the disease into Hong Kong and to detect local case as early as possible.

2-Serious Response Level

The Serious Response Level would be activated under scenarios where there is:

  • Confirmation of HPAI outbreaks in the environment of or among poultry population in retail markets, wholesale markets or farms in Hong Kong due to a strain with known human health impact;
    or
  • Confirmation of human case of novel influenza in Hong Kong without evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission.

The main objective of response measures at this response level is to contain the disease as soon as possible, identify foci of infection, prevent local transmission and exportation of disease to other places.

3-Emergency Response Level

The Emergency Response Level would be activated under scenarios where there is:

  • Evidence confirming efficient human-to-human transmission of novel of influenza occurring overseas or in Hong Kong;
    or
  • Pandemic influenza.

The main objective of response measures would be to contain the disease as soon as possible, identify foci of infection, prevent large outbreak from occurring, interrupt and stop chain of local transmission & prevent exportation of disease to other places.

If there is efficient human-to-human transmission locally resulting in high attack rates and significant burden of disease, the response strategies would need to be reviewed. The main objective of response would be to slow down progression of epidemic and minimize loss of human lives in order to buy time for production of an effective vaccine against the novel pandemic influenza strain.