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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 16) investigating two outbreaks of influenza-like illness, and again reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The outbreak in a primary school in Tseung Kwan O affects 21 students, 10 boys and 11 girls aged 8 to 10. They have developed fever, cough and sore throat since March 6. All of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
The other outbreak in a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Mong Kok affects 20 pupils, 12 boys and eight girls aged 3 to 5. They have developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 29. Among them, 19 sought medical attention and one of them has been discharged upon hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP conducted site visits and advised both schools to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. Both 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 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/Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:18
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