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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 6) 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 kindergarten cum child care centre in Fanling involving 20 children aged between two and five.
Investigation revealed that the affected children, comprising 11 boys and nine girls, had developed URI symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat since March 12. Two of them were hospitalised and have already been discharged. All the affected students are in stable condition.
Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens from two of the affected students tested positive for adenovirus.
Staff of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the school.
A CHP spokesman said adenovirus is a group of viruses that commonly cause viral infection in children. The symptoms may vary from respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat, to gastroenteritis illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also cause conjunctivitis.
"Adenovirus infection is usually transmitted by direct contact or faecal-oral transmission. It can occur throughout the year," the spokesman said.
Most infections were mild and patients usually required no therapy or only symptomatic treatment, he said. Strict attention to good hygiene practices was effective for preventing adenovirus-associated diseases, he added.
To prevent URI and influenza, people 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 and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask if developing symptoms of respiratory infection;
* 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/Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:26
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