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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) reminded schools to stay vigilant and put in place various hygienic and preventive measures against communicable diseases as the new school year approaches.
A CHP spokesman said that more outbreaks of influenza, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and other infectious disease were anticipated as schools resume next week.
"Most recent surveillance data showed that Hong Kong is still in the summer influenza season. There has been an increase in local influenza activity since early July. The number of influenza isolates detected by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Centre also saw a rise in the past few weeks," he said.
For the fortnight ending August 21, more than 300 influenza detections were recorded every week, compared with 198 influenza detections for the week ending August 7.
"The main circulating influenza viruses detected recently are human swine influenza, seasonal influenza A (H3N2) and seasonal influenza B," the spokesman said.
On the other hand, HFMD and enterovirus 71 infections have gradually decreased in July and August after the peak in June, but recent consultation rates for HFMD detected by sentinel general practitioners were still higher than those recorded in the corresponding period in the past three years.
"Apart from the traditional summer season, a smaller winter peak of HFMD activity has also occurred from October to December in the past few years," he said.
As of August 26, a total of 607 HFMD outbreaks had been reported this year.
The spokesman said that the CHP had liaised with the Education Bureau and sent a letter to all schools to help them prepare to prevent the spread of various communicable diseases.
"Schools should always maintain a clean and hygienic environment. School premises should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before class commencement," he said.
If a suspected influenza outbreak occurs in school or an increasing trend or unusual situation in the number of persons taking sick leave due to the same infectious disease or similar symptoms is noticed, schools should report the situation to the CHP for early epidemiological investigation and outbreak control.
Schools should refer to the guidelines on prevention of communicable diseases for practical information on preventive measures. More information is available on the CHP's website at www.chp.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, August 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:01
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