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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 18) that a total of 19 reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children.
He said two of the cases were reported to CHP today, involving two boys both aged two, who were admitted to United Christian Hospital on March 10 and 13 respectively. They are now in stable condition.
The number of cases that had laboratory evidence of influenza infection is still five (which were announced yesterday). Of them, two patients have been discharged while three others are in stable condition in hospital. For the remaining 14 cases, preliminary tests on 12 patients have shown negative results for influenza. Two are pending influenza test results.
Noting that CHP did not receive any report of institutional outbreak of influenza today, the spokesman appealed to members of the public to stay vigilant by taking necessary precautionary measures to prevent influenza.
They should maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
The telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 209 calls. It will continue to operate between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday except public holiday.
More details of the institutional outbreaks, preventive tips and the daily update of influenza situation will be available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) soon.
Ends/Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:40
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