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CHP investigates two influenza outbreaks at kindergarten-cum-child care centres
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 10) investigating  two influenza outbreaks at kindergarten-cum-child care centres in Yuen Long and Ma On Shan, and reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.

     The first case involved a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Yuen Long that affected 20 pupils comprising nine boys and 11 girls aged 2 to 5. They have developed fever, cough and sore throat since March 2. Nineteen of them sought medical attention while two of them were treated and discharged from hospital. They are all in a stable condition.

     The respiratory specimen of one hospitalised pupil tested positive for influenza A virus.

     The other case involved a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Ma On Shan affecting 20 pupils comprising 10 boys and 10 girls aged 2 to 6. They developed similar respiratory symptoms since February 22. All of them sought medical attention while four were treated and discharged from hospital. They are all in a stable condition.

     The respiratory specimens of three pupils tested positive for influenza A virus, while one other hospitalised pupil tested positive for influenza B virus.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits and advised the management to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The kindergarten-cum-child care centres have been put under medical surveillance.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection 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 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); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).

Ends/Thursday, March 10, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:15

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