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Letters

I am writing in response to the report, “Filipino helpers can get measles test at airport but is it discrimination?” (April 25).
Given the recent outbreak of measles in Hong Kong hitting a 10-year high, with nearly 70 people affected, the Department of Health last week announced a pilot scheme to provide measles immunity tests for about 200 Filipino domestic helpers arriving in the city, with those found to be non-immune to receive vaccinations.
Eman Villanueva, vice-chair of the Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union, called the measure discriminatory, saying singling out a specific group of people was “wrong” and sent out a “very dangerous” message that all domestic workers from the Philippines were suspected of carrying measles.
I do not agree with Mr Villanueva. The Philippines has seen a recent outbreak of measles, with nearly 23,600 infected and 338 fatalities as of March. Also, a lot of children in the country remain unvaccinated and therefore at risk.
Measles spikes in Indonesia, Philippines as anti-vax trend grows
Besides, domestic helpers here may need to take care of pregnant women, newborns and the elderly. If they contract measles, they could pass on the virus to these vulnerable groups or others they come into contact with. Getting the measles vaccine is an extra protection for both domestic helpers and Hong Kong citizens. It is better to be safe than sorry. There is nothing discriminatory about the government’s move.
Li Wai Ho, Tseung Kwan O


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Measles outbreak

Measles outbreak in the Philippines means Hong Kong airport tests for helpers are prudent, not discriminatory

This year, Hong Kong is witnessing its highest number of measles cases in a decade. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong hospitals body must admit blind spot in measles response

More than 60 cases have been reported in Hong Kong amid a measles outbreak, a pregnant woman among them. Local doctors have warned that a pregnant woman with measles has a higher chance of miscarriage or premature delivery. Measles in the final stage of pregnancy could lead to the baby becoming infected at birth, and serious conditions such as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong’s measles outbreak: Failure to vaccinate children should be seen as child abuse

A boy in Las Pinas City in the Philippines receive a measles vaccine during a nationwide immunisation programme in February. Photo: EPA-EFE

Dogs photographed at the Hill's X SPCA (HK) Dogathon at Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island. 24FEB19 SCMP / Edmond So

Opinion


Measles tests are necessary to protect both the domestic helpers and those in their care



Measles tests are necessary to protect both the domestic helpers and those in their care.


Foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong

The Philippines

Ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

Racism and other prejudice

Letters | Measles outbreak in the Philippines means Hong Kong airport tests for helpers are prudent, not discriminatory

Measles tests are necessary to protect both the domestic helpers and those in their care