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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 2) investigating three outbreaks of influenza-like illness, and hence reminded members of the public as well as staff of institutions and schools to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The first outbreak, at a primary school in Wan Chai, involves 20 pupils comprising nine boys and 11 girls aged from 8 to 12 who developed fever, cough and sore throat since January 18. All sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation.
The second outbreak involves 21 pupils and a member of staff of a school in Sha Tin. The affected students, 12 boys and nine girls aged from 5 to 13, have developed symptoms similar to those above since January 9. Among them, 10 sought medical attention while one who required hospitalisation has been discharged.
The remaining outbreak at a primary school in Kowloon City has affected 24 pupils including 14 boys and 10 girls aged from 6 to 8. They have developed similar symptoms since January 21. Among them, 22 sought medical attention and one who required hospitalisation has been discharged.
All affected persons in the outbreaks have been in stable condition all along.
Officers of the CHP visited and advised the schools to adopt measures against influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The schools have 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 update on severe influenza cases (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/fludailyupdate2015.pdf);
* 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/Monday, February 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:04
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