***************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 9) investigating an influenza outbreak at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Wong Tai Sin, and again urged the public and staff of institutions to heighten vigilance and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against seasonal influenza.
The 23 affected residents, 16 men and seven women aged from 72 to 96, developed fever, cough and sore throat from February 15 to March 7. Among them, 22 attended public hospitals and 17 have been discharged after hospitalisation and management. One did not require hospitalisation and consulted a private doctor.
Two male patients aged 80 and 82 died while all other patients are in a stable condition.
The respiratory specimens of 14 patients (including the two deceased) tested positive for influenza A(H3) virus upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP visited the RCHE and advised the management to adopt measures against respiratory illnesses. 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;
* Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
* 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 (www.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection); and
* The YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).
Ends/Monday, March 9, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:20
NNNN
