Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [224]
Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) hotline ( 2762 2033)
Bushfire Control Centre hotline ( 2720 0777)
Police ( 2527 7177)
St John Ambulance Brigade Hong Kong Island ( 2576 6555); Kowloon ( 2713 5555); New Territories ( 2639 2555)
Tropical Cyclone Warning ( 2835 1473)
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GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
Those travelling to Hong Kong will find a small but vibrant and growing gay-and-lesbian scene in the Special Administrative Region (SAR). It may not compete with the likes of London or Sydney, but Hong Kong has come a long way all the same.
It was, after all, only in 1991 that the Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance removed criminal penalties for homosexual acts between consenting adults over the age of 18. Since then, gay groups have been lobbying for legislation to address the issue of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Despite these changes, however, Hong Kong Chinese society remains fairly conservative, and it can still be risky for gays and lesbians to come out to family members or their employers.
Useful organisations:
Chi Heng Foundation ( 2517 0564; www.chihengfoundation.com; GPO Box 3923, Central, Hong Kong) Umbrella unit for gay and lesbian associations and groups in Hong Kong and an AIDS-prevention organisation.
Horizons ( 2815 9268, 9776 6479; www.horizons.org.hk; GPO Box 6837, Central, Hong Kong; hotline 7.30-10.30pm Tue & Thu) A phone service that provides information and advice to local and visiting gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
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HEALTH
The occasional avian or swine flu outbreak notwithstanding, health conditions in the region are good. Travellers have a low risk of contracting infectious diseases, apart from travellers’ diarrhoea, which is common throughout Asia. The health system (Click here) is generally excellent.
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Diseases
DENGUE FEVER
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and there are occasional outbreaks in Hong Kong. Unlike the malaria mosquito, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, is most active during the day, and is found mainly in urban areas, in and around human dwellings. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of high fever, headache, joint and muscle pains (hence its old name, ‘breakbone fever’), and nausea and vomiting. A rash of small red spots sometimes appears three to four days after the onset of fever.
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may be infected. A blood test can exclude malaria and indicate the possibility of dengue fever. There is no specific treatment for dengue. Aspirin should be avoided, as it increases the risk of haemorrhaging. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites at all times by covering up, using insect repellents containing the compound DEET and mosquito nets.
GIARDIA
This is a parasite that often jumps on board when you have diarrhoea. It then causes a more prolonged illness with intermittent diarrhoea or loose stools, bloating, fatigue and some nausea. There may be a metallic taste in the mouth. Avoiding potentially contam-inated foods and always washing your hands can help prevent giardia.
HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is a virus common in Hong Kong and Macau, and is transmitted through contaminated water and shellfish. It is most commonly caught at local island seafood restaurants. Immunisation and avoiding local seafood restaurants should prevent it.
HEPATITIS b
While this is common in the area, it can only be transmitted by unprotected sex, sharing needles, treading on a discarded needle, or receiving contaminated blood in very remote areas of China.
INFLUENZA
Hong Kong has a bad flu season over the winter months from December to March. Symptoms include a cold (runny nose etc) with a high fever and aches and pains. You should wash your hands frequently, avoid anybody you know who has the flu and consider getting a flu shot before you travel.
TRAVELLERS’ DIARRHOEA
To prevent diarrhoea,