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A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 4) that recent surveillance data from the DH's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has shown an increase in chickenpox notification and called on the public to take preventive measures.
"The CHP has received 439 chickenpox notification for the week ending July 2, as compared to the weekly notification of 280, 390 and 433 cases in the weeks ending June 11, June 18 and June 25 respectively."
The spokesman said that local epidemiological data showed that less than 0.1 per cent of chickenpox cases (six cases) reported in 2011 had concurrent scarlet fever infection. Prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment is effective against scarlet fever.
CHP has sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools alerting them to the latest chickenpox situation and providing advice on prevention and control.
To prevent chickenpox, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant and strictly observe personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
* Children suffering from chickenpox should refrain from school and avoid contacting other children until they are completely recovered;
* Wash hands properly with liquid soap;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and properly dispose of nasal and mouth discharge;
* To keep the environment clean and hygienic, and maintain good ventilation;
* Parents should pay attention to the health of their children and seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of chickenpox such as fever and rash; and
* Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.
More information on preventive measures against chickenpox can be found in the website of CHP (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, July 4, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:12
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