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As at noon today (July 26), a total of eight patients from the Lai King hostel influenza outbreak have positive laboratory results for influenza A. The 20 hospitalized persons are in stable condition.
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said: "As Influenza A virus was isolated from many of the patients, we are dealing with an influenza outbreak in the hostel. None of the laboratory tests conducted so far is positive for SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Hong Kong has remained SARS free since early June this year."
"Hong Kong has entered the influenza peak season of July and August. Consultation rates for influenza-like-illness (ILI) recorded by sentinel doctors in general outpatient clinics (GOPC) and private practice have increased since June 2003. For the week ending June 7, the ILI consultation rates were 1.0 and 22.9 per 1 000 cases respectively for GOPC and private clinics. For the week ending July 19, the corresponding rates were 2.7 and 39.8 per 1 000. Therefore, it is necessary for members of the public , including those living and working in institutional settings, to exercise caution and take preventive measures to protect themselves against influenza," he said.
Over the week, four institutional outbreaks of ILI have occurred, two in elderly homes and two in homes for the mentally deficient (including the Lai King Hostel outbreak). The number of affected persons in each of these outbreaks ranged from 7 to 24. A similar upsurge of ILI activity was observed during the summer season last year. As of today, 31 patients from these institutions remain in hospital. All are in stable condition except one who has a genetic condition is in intensive care unit.
DH took prompt control measures in each of the institutional outbreaks. These included hygiene inspections, health advice, giving chemoprophylaxis as necessary, and health screening.
On an annual basis, DH provides free influenza vaccination to elderly home residents. This July, DH issued a new guideline on respiratory tract infection prevention for the elderly homes and has sent letters to all homes alerting them of practical steps to take in the prevention of influenza. Visits will be made to the elderly homes in the coming few days to provide advice on their hygiene conditions and heighten hygiene awareness.
The preventive measures against influenza and other respiratory illnesses in institutional settings, like elderly homes and hostels, are as follows:
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Maintain good environmental hygiene and personal hygiene among residents and staff members;
* Patients with respiratory infection symptoms and their carers should wear a mask properly.
Staff working in institutions should contact DH promptly if unusual patterns of illness are noticed.
As for members of the public, they are reminded to:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation;
* Wear a mask if you have symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
Individuals particularly the young, elderly and those with chronic diseases, should consult their doctor for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Information on the health advice against influenza is available at DH's website (www.info.gov.hk/dh) and DH's Elderly Health Service website (www. info.gov.hk/elderly).
End/Saturday, July 26, 2003
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