*********************************************************
The Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) today (January 31) urged parents to notify schools on resumption of classes if their children had visited countries/areas with avian influenza cases during school holidays.
"In view of the recent reports of avian influenza cases in some Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam and on the Mainland, we would like to advise all stakeholders of schools to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to prevent communicable diseases," an EMB spokesman said.
"Schools should require parents to report details if their children have visited the countries/areas with reports of avian influenza cases during school holidays. In so doing, schools can take extra care of these children where necessary.
"As a precautionary measure, all school staff should do the same."
Schools are advised to adhere to the Health Advice on the Prevention of Influenza issued by the Department of Health. School authorities, staff and students should note the following advice:
* Refrain from keeping live birds in school where possible;
* Establish barriers to prevent children from touching live birds;
* Avoid organising activities that may expose children to live birds;
* Do not touch live birds, poultry and their excreta (Wash hands with soap and water immediately after contact with live birds or surfaces contaminated by bird droppings);
* Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and wash hands with soap and water afterwards;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, use liquid soap for hand washing and disposal towel for drying hands, do not share towels;
* Cleanse used toys and furniture properly;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* If any students/staff develop respiratory symptoms, they should consult their doctor promptly, wear a surgical mask, and take rest at home and refrain from going to school as advised by their doctor.
For general information on the prevention of communicable diseases in school settings, please refer to the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Child Care Centres / Kindergartens / Schools (http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/diseases/index.htm)
"Should unusual pattern of illnesses/sick leave among students be noticed, schools should notify the Regional Offices of the Department of Health as well as the respective District School Development Section of the EMB," the spokesman stressed.
End/Saturday, January 31, 2004
NNNN
