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CHP investigates suspected upper respiratory tract infection outbreak in disabled home in Ho Man Tin
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 15) investigating a suspected outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in a residential care home for the disabled in Ho Man Tin, and appealed to the public to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

     The outbreak affected nine men and 11 women (16 residents and four staff members) aged from 22 to 67 who have developed runny nose, cough and sore throat since February 27. All sought medical advice and one of them has been discharged upon hospitalisation. All of them have been in stable condition.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the management to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory tract infection. The home has been put under medical surveillance.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene 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 when staying in such places; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
 
Ends/Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:40
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