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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 20) investigating an influenza-like illness outbreak at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Sha Tin affecting 21 residents, and hence reminded members of the public and staff of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The affected residents, comprising seven men and 14 women aged 76 to 95, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough and sore throat since January 4.
All of them sought medical consultation and 19 of them required hospitalisation. All the affected residents are currently in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from 17 hospitalised patients tested positive for influenza A.
Officers of the CHP visited the RCHE 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;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider to put on surgical masks when staying in these places; 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/Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:00
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