Reports under influenza surveillance arrangement
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    A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said there was no new influenza outbreak reported to the CHP today (March 19) but members of the public should stay alert by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

    He said the cumulative figures for cases reported to the CHP through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up with private and public hospitals to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children are as follows:

A. Cases with positive test results for influenza

    Total no of cases                    6
    No of patients discharged            5
    No of patients in hospital            1
                                  (stable condition)

B. Cases with preliminary negative test results for influenza

    Total no of cases                    13

C. Cases pending laboratory test result
    for influenza                          1

D. Total reports

    Total no of reports recorded
      since March 13                      20
    No of patients discharged            11
    No of patients in hospital            9

    The telephone hotline (2125 1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 218 calls. It will continue to operate between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays.

    People are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.

    More details of the institutional outbreaks, preventive tips and a daily update of the influenza situation will be available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) shortly.

Ends/Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:31

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