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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an influenza-like illness outbreak at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Tuen Mun, affecting 19 students aged between 3 and 6 and two staff members aged 20 and 24.
The affected persons, comprising nine males and 12 females, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since February 9.
One of the affected students required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition. The nasopharyngeal aspirate taken from the hospitalised student tested positive for Influenza A.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public 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 cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Ends/Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:41
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