CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection at residential child care centre in Causeway Bay
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The outbreak involves 12 boys and eight girls aged from 5 months to 23 months, who have developed URI symptoms including fever, cough and runny nose since June 11. All sought medical attention. Among them, 10 required hospitalisation and nine have been discharged upon management. All of the children have been in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal swabs of the nine hospitalised children tested positive for parainfluenza virus (PIV) type 1, of which, three also tested positive for adenovirus upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP inspected the child care centre and provided health advice against URI. The centre has been placed under medical surveillance.
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses which infect the mucous membranes. Depending on the type of virus they may cause respiratory illnesses and also diarrhoea, eye infections and rashes. Infections can occur all year round. Young children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients are more susceptible.
"The infection mainly spreads through air droplets, direct contact with the oro-nasal secretions of patients, or ingestion of contaminated food or water, and may cause outbreaks of acute respiratory or eye infection in institutional settings such as schools and hospitals," a spokesman for the CHP said.
He added that PIV commonly causes respiratory infections, especially in young children, which usually manifests as a mild upper respiratory infection. However, it may sometimes cause more serious clinical conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiolitis, especially among the elderly and immunocompromised patients. PIV mainly spreads by contact with secretions of infected persons as well as contaminated objects and surfaces.
The public should also observe advice against respiratory illnesses:
- 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;
- 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.
Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:52
Issued at HKT 18:52
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