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The Department of Health today (September 26) advised a special school to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (HSI) in the school.
The advice was made following the outbreak of HSI in Hong Chi Pinehill No 3 School in Tai Po, a spokesman for the department said.
Investigation revealed that 12 students, aged between five and 14, and a staff member at the school developed influenza-like illness symptoms since September 22. Eight of them required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.
Laboratory results showed that six students were confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
The department has visited the school and advised staff on infection control measures. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
The spokesman called on parents to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
Ends/Saturday, September 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:21
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