***************************************
A spokesman for the Centre of Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 5) reminded the public to stay vigilant against influenza during the Chinese New Year as Hong Kong has entered the winter peak influenza season.
The spokesman provided below the number of new reports received by CHP during the 48 hours ending at 2 pm today.
During the period, the CHP received no reports of institutional outbreaks of influenza-like illness.
Through its enhanced influenza surveillance system with the Hospital Authority (HA), eight reports of influenza-associated admissions to intensive care units (ICU) of public hospitals were received.
The period saw one report of influenza-associated death.
The CHP received no reports of influenza-associated ICU admissions or deaths in private hospitals.
In the same period, three reports of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications, involving a 23-month-old girl, an 8-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy were received respectively. The two girls have been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital while the boy was admitted to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. These three cases were included in the eight cases reported by the HA.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert and take precautionary measures against influenza.
They are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking. High risk groups are strongly urged to receive influenza vaccination as soon as possible to protect their health.
Ends/Saturday, February 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:30
NNNN
