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CHP investigates influenza B outbreaks at two primary schools and one kindergarten-cum-child care centre and influenza-like illness outbreak at primary school
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 7) investigating three influenza B outbreaks at two primary school in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun districts, and at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Sha Tin district; as well as an influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreak at a primary school in Kwai Chung district.

     The influenza B outbreak at a primary school in Yuen Long district affected 19 students including nine boys and 10 girls, aged 6 to 9, as well as one female staff member. They have developed fever, cough, running nose and sore throat since January 21. Nineteen patients sought medical attention and no hospitalisation is required. All patients are in stable condition. The respiratory specimen of three patients tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing.
 
     The influenza B outbreak at a primary school in Tuen Mun district affected 25 students including 11 boys and 14 girls, aged 6 to 7, who have developed fever, cough, running nose and sore throat since January 29. All sought medical attention and are in stable condition. One of them was discharged upon hospitalistion and the respiratory specimen of the patient tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing.
 
     The influenza B outbreak at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Sha Tin district affected 20 students including nine boys and 11 girls, aged 3 to 5, who have developed fever, cough and sore throat since January 15. All sought medical attention and are in stable condition. One of them required hospitalistion and another one was discharged upon hospitalistion. The respiratory specimen of two patients tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing.
 
     For the ILI outbreak in Kwai Chung district, it affected 20 primary school students including 10 boys and 10 girls, aged 7 to 11, who have developed fever, cough, running nose and sore throat since January 21. 19 of them sought medical attention and no hospitalistion is required. All patients are in stable condition.

      Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits to all schools and advised the schools to adopt infection control measures against respiratory infections. The schools 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 as an effective alternative;
  • Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
  • 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 when staying in such places; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     For more information, please visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express.
 
Ends/Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:58
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