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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 22) 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 elderly in Wan Chai, affecting 19 residents and two staff members aged between 23 and 104.
The affected persons, comprising five men and 16 women, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, coughing, runny nose and sore throat, since August 2.
Sixteen affected residents required hospitalisation and all of them are currently in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal swabs taken from nine hospitalised residents tested positive for influenza A.
Officers of the CHP have visited the elderly home and advised the management to adopt measures against respiratory tract infection.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, the CHP advises members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* 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 before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, after using a toilet and after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose;
* Wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Get a seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the CHP's Influenza Page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Thursday, August 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:27
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