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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an influenza-like illness outbreak at a residential care home for the disabled in Tuen Mun, affecting 19 residents and one staff member aged between 33 and 61.
The affected persons, comprising eight males and 12 females, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, from March 15 to May 7.
Four of them required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal swab taken from one hospitalised resident tested positive for influenza B.
CHP staff have visited the institution 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 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/Monday, May 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:44
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