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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 9) investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) at a kindergarten in Yuen Long, and appealed to members of the public to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.
The outbreak involves 20 pupils, comprising 10 boys and 10 girls aged from 3 to 5, who have developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since February 5. Nineteen of the affected pupils sought medical attention while one was hospitalised for further management.
The nasopharyngeal swab of the hospitalised pupil tested positive for parainfluenza virus upon laboratory testing. All the affected children are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP inspected the kindergarten and provided preventive advice against URI. The kindergarten has been placed 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/Monday, February 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:48
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