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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 26) called on the public to maintain vigilance against seasonal influenza as the latest surveillance data shows a further increase in local influenza activity, after its peak in late February.
The Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) of the CHP has detected increases in the number of influenza isolations recently, especially for influenza A (H3N2) detections. The weekly number of influenza detections at the PHLC increased from 196 in the week ending January 21 to 465 in the week ending February 25. Since then, the local influenza activity remained at a high level and the latest laboratory detections further increased to 579 in the week ending March 24.
In the week ending March 24, the current circulating influenza viruses mainly included the influenza A (H3N2) virus (48.0 per cent), the influenza B virus (51.3 per cent) and influenza A (H1N1)2009 (0.7 per cent). While the influenza B detections dropped from 339 in the week ending March 17 to 297 in the week ending March 24, the weekly detections of influenza A (H3N2) increased from 117 in the week ending March 17 to 278 in the week ending March 24.
The current circulating influenza A (H3N2) virus was antigenically similar to the vaccine strain influenza A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and the seasonal influenza vaccine is expected to give reasonable protection.
The number of influenza-like illness outbreaks reported from schools and institutions rose from 19 for the week ending January 21 to 51 for the week ending February 25. The latest number of outbreaks for the week ending March 24 was 24, affecting 103 persons.
To monitor the severity of influenza activity, the CHP has collaborated with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals to monitor influenza-associated deaths and admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) during influenza peak seasons since 2011.
From January 13 to noon on March 26, there were 89 cases (including 50 deaths) with ICU admissions or deaths with laboratory-confirmed influenza. During the similar period in the winter influenza season in 2011, the number was 123 cases (included 34 deaths).
The CHP will continue to closely monitor the overseas and local situation of influenza activity. At the same time, the CHP will continue to closely monitor cases involving severe paediatric influenza-associated complications/death.
Influenza can cause medical complications, especially among vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions. As the local influenza activity is expected to maintain a high level in the coming few weeks, target groups are advised to receive influenza vaccinations as soon as possible to protect their health.
The public are reminded to take the following measures to prevent respiratory tract infection:
* 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, coughing or cleaning the nose;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Members of the public, particularly young children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors promptly if they develop influenza-like symptoms.
Ends/Monday, March 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:52
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