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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has again reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The appeal was made after CHP received a report of an influenza-like-illness (ILI) outbreak at a primary school in Discovery Bay, affecting 29 children.
The affected persons comprise 13 boys and 16 girls aged between five and eight. They developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since January 10.
None of them required hospitalisation. Respiratory specimens from two of the affected were positive for influenza B by rapid test by a private clinic.
All the affected are in stable condition.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public are 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 hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Ends/Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:21
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