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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 5) investigating an influenza A outbreak at a kindergarten in Causeway Bay, and again reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The 20 affected pupils, 10 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 6, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since April 3. Among them, 16 sought medical attention but none required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
The respiratory specimen of one pupil tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and advised the kindergarten to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The kindergarten 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/Thursday, May 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:16
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