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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 16) 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 residential care home for children in Yau Tsim Mong District involving 21 children aged between 1 and 2.
Investigation revealed that the affected children, comprising 15 boys and six girls, developed URI symptoms including fever, cough and runny nose since June 10. Four of them required hospitalisation. All the affected children are in stable condition.
A nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen from one of the affected children tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the institution. The residential care home was put under medical surveillance.
To prevent URI and influenza, members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a balanced 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 when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* 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 URI infection.
For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, June 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:58
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