CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection
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The outbreak involves 13 boys and eight girls aged 2 to 5 who developed fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since December 2. Twenty of them sought medical attention. Among them, one child required hospitalisation and was discharged following treatment. A nasopharyngeal swab of a child tested positive for adenovirus and parainfluenza virus type 2 upon laboratory testing. All of them are now in a stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the school to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
- Receive a 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;
- 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/Friday, December 13, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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