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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 22) that a total of 24 reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
One of them is a new report involving a two-month-old baby boy. He is now under treatment in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Relevant influenza tests are in progress.
The spokesman said the cumulative figures for cases reported to the CHP through the influenza surveillance arrangement to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children are as follows:
A. Reports with positive tests results for influenza
Total no. of reports 6
No of patients discharged 6
No of patients in hospital 0
B. Reports with preliminary negative tests results for influenza
Total no. of reports 17
C. Reports pending laboratory test result for influenza
Total no. of reports 1
D. Total reports
Total no. of reports recorded since March 13 24
No of patients discharged 14
No of patients in hospital 10
The spokesman said ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.
The telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 230 calls. It will continue to operate between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays.
Members of the public are advised to 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.
More details of preventive tips on influenza are available in CHP's website www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, March 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:00
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