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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 8) reported the latest surveillance data of the winter influenza season, and again urged the public to heighten vigilance and get vaccinated early against seasonal influenza.
Regarding severe cases, from noon yesterday (February 7) to noon today, four additional cases of influenza-associated admission to intensive care units or death (including two deaths) among adults aged 18 or above have been recorded under the enhanced surveillance in collaboration with public and private hospitals reactivated since January 2. This brings the total number to 218 ( 142 deaths) so far. Among them, 207 were A(H3N2), five were B and six were A pending subtype. In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 (133 deaths) were filed.
Meanwhile, no additional cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complication or death among children aged under 18 have been reported since yesterday via the ongoing reporting system. The total this year hence remains at 11 (no deaths) and all were A(H3N2). In 2014, 27 (four deaths) were filed.
Since December 2014, the CHP has issued three letters to schools reminding them a series of measures to prevent influenza and respiratory tract infection. They are also advised to take reference to the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools / Kindergartens /Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres / Child Care Centres published by the CHP, which can be accessed at
www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/guidelines_on_prevention_of_communicable_diseases_in_schools_kindergartens_kindergartens_cum_child_care-centres_child_are_centres.pdf .
The CHP has also enhanced the health education on prevention against influenza, including the collaboration with district offices and district councils through the coordination by the Home Affairs Department, with a view to strengthening the promotion of health related messages in local community.
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 seasonal influenza cases (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/flu_update_en.pdf);
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html);
* The list of participating doctors (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html);
* The Facebook Page (fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection); and
* The YouTube Channel (youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).
Ends/Sunday, February 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:53
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