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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 7) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).
The CHP is investigating a suspected outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) affecting 15 students aged between 7 and 10 and five staff members at a primary school in Kowloon Tong.
Those affected, comprising 10 males and 10 females, have developed symptoms of URI including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since March 28.
All remain stable and none have required hospitalisation.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
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/Thursday, April 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:16
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