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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 26) called on members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent influenza-like illness.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into an outbreak of influenza-like illness affecting 29 students in a kindergarten in Tseung Kwan O.
The affected, comprising 18 boys and 11 girls aged from 4 to 7, developed influenza-like illness, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between June 9 and 25.
Of them, 20 consulted general practitioners or out-patient clinics. Three others were admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Prince Wales Hospital respectively and had been discharged.
Preliminary laboratory results showed two samples taken from the patients' respiratory tracts yielded positive results for influenza A and Influenza B respectively.
Staff of the CHP has conducted field visits to the school and health instructions were provided to the staff.
CHP will continue to closely monitor the school and provide health advice.
To prevent influenza and upper respiratory tract infection, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* To maintain good ventilation; and
* To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:54
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