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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 18) called on people to take precautionary measures against influenza infection.
A CHP spokesman said the centre is closely monitoring influenza activity and has picked up a higher number of influenza isolates lately, which signals the arrival of the summer influenza season.
Historically, the summer influenza season in Hong Kong tends to occur in July and August.
Influenza virus isolation in the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) showed a gradual rise, the spokesman noted. The PHLC recorded more than 140 influenza detections this week, compared with 149 influenza detections from July 1 to 13.
"Genetic and antigenic analysis showed H3 viruses were A/Brisbane/10/2007-like, while H1 viruses were mostly A/Brisbane/59/2007-like. Both of them have been circulating in the community since early this year," the spokesman said.
Regarding the consultation rates for influenza-like illness in private doctors and general out-patients clinics (GOPC), the spokesman said the sentinel surveillance systems indicated the figures remained at low levels in recent weeks.
During the week ending July 12, consultation rates for influenza-like illness in private doctors and GOPC were 34.8 and 3.5 per 1000 consultations respectively, while the corresponding figures for the previous week were 35.9 and 3.3 respectively.
There were two confirmed influenza outbreaks affecting seven persons in the same week.
An increase in influenza outbreaks in elderly homes would be expected during the summer influenza season. There were 46 influenza outbreaks in elderly homes during July and August in 2007.
As a prudent and preventive measure, the CHP has sent letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them about the current influenza situation and providing advice on prevention and control, the spokesman said.
The CHP's Infection Control Branch would also provide training workshops on the prevention and control of influenza to staff of residential care homes for the elderly, he said.
The spokesman reminded people to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
People, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Ends/Friday, July 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06
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