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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 19) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The appeal followed CHP's receipt of notifications of influenza-like-illness (ILI) outbreaks from an institution in Lai Chi Kok and a primary school in Yuen Long, affecting a total of 44 people.
In the first case, the affected included 24 men aged between 21 and 58. They developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, beginning January 11. All of them sought medical attention and no hospitalisation was required. Throat swabs of two affected persons tested positive for influenza A virus subtype H1 (human swine influenza).
In the second case, the affected students, comprising 11 males and nine females, were aged between seven and 10. They developed similar respiratory tract infection symptoms, beginning January 6. None required hospitalisation.
All the affected are in stable condition.
CHP staff have visited the institution and 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/Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:49
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