*******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 30) 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 21 women aged 64 to 99, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough and sore throat since January 13.
All of them sought medical consultation and all required hospitalisation. One of them has passed away while the others are currently in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from all affected persons tested positive for influenza A, with 11 of them testing positive for influenza A (H3).
Officers of the CHP visited the RCHE and advised the management to adopt measures against respiratory tract infection. The RCHE has been put under medical surveillance.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:
* The influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
* The weekly Flu Express report (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html);
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html); and
* The list of participating doctors (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html).
Ends/Friday, January 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:33
NNNN
