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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 4) reminded people and the managements of schools to be vigilant against chickenpox.
A spokesman for CHP said that although cases of chickenpox in the past few weeks remained low compared with the corresponding periods in past years, people should maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection as winter was the traditional peak season for the disease.
¡§There were more than 800 cases reported in November, which was significantly higher than the monthly figure of around 300 to 600 cases recorded in the past few months,¡¨ he said.
The CHP recorded 7,962 cases of chickenpox from January to November. In 2006 and 2007, a total of 14,415 and 17,940 cases were reported respectively.
The spokesman said chickenpox occurred throughout the year with peaks from November to February.
"As Hong Kong has entered the peak season of chickenpox, people should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. They should keep their hands clean and wash them properly," he said.
CHP has sent letters to pre-primary institutions and primary and secondary schools to remind them of the preventive measures for chickenpox.
The spokesman pointed out that chickenpox vaccine was available in Hong Kong and about 90% of people vaccinated with the vaccine would acquire immunity.
Parents could approach their family doctors for further advice, he said.
More information about chickenpox can be obtained at CHP's homepage, www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, December 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:31
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