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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has today (January 6) advised a special school with boarding section, Chi Yun School in Sham Shui Po, to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow (January 7) to stop the spread of influenza A in the school.
The advice was made following an outbreak of influenza A in the school affecting six male students, aged between six and 18. They presented with fever, cough and runny nose since December 27, 2013.
One of the affected students, an 18-year-old patient with underlying medical condition, was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) on December 30, 2013 and died on January 4. Laboratory test on his respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A.
The other five affected students were admitted to CMC and discharged with stable condition. Respiratory specimens taken from three of them were tested positive for influenza A.
Staff of the CHP had visited the school and advised on infection control measures.
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;
* Wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the CHP's Influenza Page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Monday, January 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:14
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