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In view of an outbreak of measles in a public hospital, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 25) reminded members of the public to maintain up-to-date measles immunization for their children.
A CHP spokesman said the peak season of measles in Hong Kong usually occurred from May to August. He added that there were a total of 17 cases reported in the first four months of this year while the figure was 10 this month, including the five cases so far identified in this outbreak.
The majority of these cases either did not have up-to-date measles vaccination or were not yet due for vaccination.
Out of the 27 cases recorded so far this year, seven were imported from the Mainland.
The spokesman pointed out that the key to prevent measles was to maintain up-to-date vaccination against the disease.
"This is especially important as the seasonal increase in measles is arriving in Hong Kong," he said.
Children living in Hong Kong should receive a first dose of measles vaccine at age 12 months, followed by a second dose of the vaccine when they enter Primary One (around six years of age).
"Parents whose children live in the Mainland most of the time are advised to bring them to healthcare providers for vaccination according to the Mainland schedule.
"They may also seek advice from DH's Maternal & Child Health Centers (MCHCs)," the spokesman said.
In Hong Kong, measles vaccine, usually administered in the form of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, are provided by MCHCs, School Immunization Teams, and private doctors.
Measles vaccine coverage in Hong Kong is generally high. A survey in 2003 found over 99% of local-born children aged two to five had up-to-date immunization against measles.
Members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
* Maintain good indoor ventilation.
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.
* Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
* Cleanse used toys and furniture properly.
* Children with measles should be kept out of school till four days from the appearance of rash to prevent spread of the infection to non-immune persons in school.
Ends/Friday, May 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:59
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