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CHP investigates influenza outbreak at kindergarten-cum-child care centre
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 29) investigating an influenza outbreak at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Kowloon City, and again reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.

     The 22 affected pupils, 12 boys and 10 girls aged from 2 to 5, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 25. Among them, 15 sought medical attention and five of them who required hospitalisation were discharged. All affected pupils are now in a stable condition.

     One hospitalised pupil's respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus while those of another two hospitalised pupils tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by respective hospitals.

     Officers of the CHP visited the school and advised the management to adopt measures to prevent respiratory tract infection. The school has been put under medical surveillance.

     The public should observe the precautions below to protect 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); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).

Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:44

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