Hong Kong took close watch at bird-flu case following reports of a suspected bird flu outbreak in a village in Vietnam.

According to Wednesday's government news release, a hotline has been set up to handle questions from Vietnamese tourists and people who feel unwell after visiting Vietnam.

Meanwhile Hong Kong Health Protection Center (HPC) was liaising with the World Health Organization and the Vietnamese Consulate in Hong Kong to obtain information on the latest developments in the country.

HPC consultant Thomas Tsang said the hotline is set to help identify suspected bird flu patients who will be sent to hospitals for treatment and testing.

Noting a total of 24 bird flu cases have been confirmed in the country since late last year, Tsang said Hong Kong has taken preventive measures against the disease.

They include temperature screening at the airport for arrivals, the broadcasting of health messages and distribution of health information leaflets on board all in-bound flights from Vietnam and the distribution of health information leaflets to passengers leaving for the country.

"The health information leaflets will be updated today reinforcing the health messages and incorporating the inquiry hotline. The leaflets will be disseminated to the airlines concerned for distribution to passengers leaving for or returning from Vietnam," Tsang said.

Tsang advised travelers going to countries with avian flu cases to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They should avoid visiting farms and having direct contact with chickens or their faces.

Speaking on the latest flu situation in Hong Kong, Tsang said this year's peak flu season is different from the previous year.

"Last year, most of the flu cases were related to H3N2 virus. But this year, we see a mixture of influenza viruses circulating in the community, including H3N2, H1N1 and Influenza B virus," added Tsang.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2005)