27 Jul 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 27) called on members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 25 people including 14 infants and young children, as well as 11 staff members in a child care home in Central and Western District.
The affected, comprising six males and nineteen females aged from six months to 55, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between July 1 and 27.
Seventeen consulted general practitioners and two infants, aged eight months and one year old, were admitted to Queen Mary Hospital. They are in stable condition.
Throat swabs taken from the two infants were tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Staff of the CHP has conducted field visits to the child care home and provided health instructions to the staff.
Close monitoring by CHP continues.
To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* To maintain good ventilation; and
* To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website ( http://www.chp.gov.hk ).