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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 29) called on people to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The appeal was made after the CHP received a report of an influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreak affecting 29 students at a kindergarten in Tsuen Wan.
The affected students comprised 16 males and 13 females aged between 3 and 5. They developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since November 25.
One student required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition.
A nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen from one of the affected tested positive for Influenza A.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public 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, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Ends/Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:35
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