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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 15) that a total of eight reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals. Of them, three cases (which were announced on March 14) had laboratory evidence of influenza infection.
Among the three cases, the eight-year-old girl has been discharged. The remaining two cases, which are a three-year-old boy admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on March 11 and a seven-year-old girl admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 11, remain in stable condition.
CHP is following up on the remaining reports.
The influenza surveillance arrangement has been implemented since March 13 between CHP and local hospitals to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children, including severe pneumonia, myocarditis, shock, sepsis-like or encephalopathy.
The spokesman reminded members of the public that to prevent influenza, they should maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
Ends/Saturday, March 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:48
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