*********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 21) called on the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 28 students and four staff members in a pre-school centre for children with intellectual disability in Tsuen Wan.
The affected, comprising 21 males and 11 females aged from 2 to 40, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between June 13 and 20.
Of them, 25 consulted general practitioners or out-patient clinics. One boy and a girl, both aged 5, were admitted to Yan Chai Hospital and Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital on June 15 and had been discharged.
Staff of the CHP conducted field visits to the school and health instructions were provided to the staff.
CHP will continue to closely monitor the school and provide health advice.
To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, people are advised to adopt the following measures:
* 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 and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
People, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
For more information on the disease, people may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, June 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:35
NNNN
