*************************************************
The Department of Health today (October 2) advised Hong Chi Pinehill No 3 School in Tai Po to suspend classes for another week starting October 4 to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (HSI) in the school.
The school had already suspended classes since September 27 following an HSI outbreak, a spokesman for the department said.
Investigations revealed that 18 students, aged between five and 18, and two staff members at the school developed influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms since September 22.
Laboratory results confirmed that 15 students were infected with HSI. Among them, an 11-year-old girl with multiple medical conditions passed away this morning. The case has been referred to the Coroner for investigation.
"In view of continued identification of new ILI cases in the school's hostel in recent days, the department today advised the school to extend class suspension for another week.
"The department had visited the school and provided infection control measures.
"Tamiflu has been given to the staff and residents with close contacts with the patients as chemoprophylaxis. The school has been put under medical surveillance," the spokesman said.
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/Friday, October 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:39
NNNN
