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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said that a new report involving a five-year-old girl was received today (August 18) through the paediatric surveillance programme set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
The girl presented with fever on September 11 and was admitted to a private hospital on September 15. She was transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on September 17 and had convulsions on the same day. She is now receiving intensive care treatment and is in critical condition.
Laboratory tests by CHP on specimens taken from her are in progress.
The girl had no travel history. Her family members did not have any similar symptoms and the kindergarten she attended did not report any outbreak of influenza-like illness.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert by taking precautionary hygiene measures against infectious diseases.
They are advised to maintain good personal and 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 preventive tips are available on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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