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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 17 children and four staff members of a nursery school in Ma On Shan.
A CHP spokesman said today (July 15) that the affected, comprising nine males and 12 females aged from two to 58 years old, had developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, running nose and sore throat, between July 9 and 13.
Two were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Both are now in stable condition. Respiratory samples of one of the hospitalised children yielded positive results for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
CHP officials have conducted a field visit to the school and provided health instructions to the school management. Investigation is on-going.
The spokesman said that RSV is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.
"The incubation period is one to 10 days and is usually five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite," he noted.
To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharges properly;
* Infected persons should avoid contact with children or those with low body resistance.
Ends/Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:30
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