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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 18) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a URI outbreak in a children's residential home in Mong Kok District involving 21 children aged between one and two.
Investigation revealed that the affected persons, comprising 11 boys and 10 girls, developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat since September 30.
All the affected sought medical attention. Thirteen of them required hospitalisation and have been discharged. All the affected are in stable condition.
Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens of 13 affected children tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the institution.
To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, the public is advised to adopt the following measures:
* 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 and coughing and wear a mask if developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
For more information on the disease, people may visit the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk ).
Ends/Monday, October 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:55
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