16 Feb 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 16) urged members of the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against influenza-like-illness (ILI) by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into reports of three influenza outbreaks in primary schools, affecting a total of 91 people. Two of the affected schools required class suspension.
The first case affected 32 students and two staff members of Ying Wah Primary School in Sham Shui Po, comprising 33 males and one female aged from seven to 32. They developed symptoms of ILI, including fever, cough and sore throat since February 8.
Nineteen of them have sought medical treatment. One 11-year-old boy, who was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital earlier, has been discharged while another 9-year-old boy was admitted to a private hospital in Kowloon and is now in stable condition. Clinical specimens of these two students were tested positive for Influenza A.
In the second case, a total of 37 students (comprising 24 boys and 13 girls aged from six to 11) of Fanling Assembly of God Church Primary School developed ILI symptoms between February 6 and 16. Among them, 36 have sought medical attention. Another 8-year-old boy was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and is in stable condition. His clinical specimen was tested positive for Influenza B.
A CHP spokesman said, "Due to an increased number of affected people in these two schools, CHP advised the schools to suspend classes for a week from tomorrow (February 17) to February 23 for thorough disinfection to prevent further spreading of diseases."
Meanwhile, there was an influenza-like-illness outbreak in another primary school in Kowloon Tong, affecting 19 students and one staff member. The affected, comprising six males and 14 females aged from six to 32, had ILI symptoms between February 8 and 14. Seventeen of them have consulted doctor and required no hospitalization. Their conditions are stable.
CHP officials have conducted field visits to the schools and provided health advice to the staff.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, 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 wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Members of the public, 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.