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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 11) investigating an influenza B outbreak at a kindergarten cum child care centre in Fanling affecting 21 pupils and a female staff member. The CHP reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.
The 21 affected pupils, comprising 11 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 6, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 20. Sixteen of them sought medical attention and one required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
The respiratory specimen of the admitted pupil tested positive for influenza B virus at the hospital.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the management to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The kindergarten cum child care centre has 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 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/Friday, March 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:16
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