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CHP investigates influenza-like illness outbreak in kindergarten in Central
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 14) investigating an outbreak of influenza-like illness in a kindergarten in Central, and again reminded the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.

     The 20 affected female pupils aged from 3 to 5 have developed fever, cough and sore throat since September 9. Among them, 18 have sought medical attention and required no hospitalisation. All of them are now in stable condition.
 
     Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and advised the kindergarten to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The kindergarten has been put under medical surveillance.
 
     "The latest surveillance data show that the local influenza activity has risen slightly in the past two weeks. We will closely monitor the latest influenza situation," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     "If students or staff develop fever, respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting or skin rash, schools should strongly advise them not to return to campus and to promptly seek medical advice. Management of schools should observe precautions on campus, such as avoiding sharing of clothing or slippers, to prevent possible transmission of diseases," the spokesman added.
 
     Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.
 
     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
 
  • Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
  • When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
  • Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
  • Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
  • Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
  • When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks in such places; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
 
     The public may visit the CHP's pages for more information: the influenza page and the weekly Flu Express report.
 
Ends/Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:41
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