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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 31) urged the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infection by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.
The appeal was made during CHP's investigation of a report of an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in an elderly home in Tai Po.
As of today, 21 people are affected. Sixteen residents and five staff members, comprising nine men and 12 women aged from 43 to 99, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between December 10 and 28.
All of them had consulted doctors and three were admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital. One of them has been discharged. All of the affected are in stable condition.
CHP officials have conducted field visits to the institution and provided health advice to the staff.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, people are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
People, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult doctors promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
Ends/Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:15
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