18 Aug 2009
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 18) advised a special school in Eastern District and a child care centre in Kwai Chung to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow to stop the possible spread of influenza.
The advice was made following the outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the two institutions involving 18 people, a spokesman for the department said.
The first case involved six boys and two staff members, aged between two and 57, of the Heep Hong Society Wan Tsui Centre. They developed ILI symptoms since August 12.
Three boys were confirmed to have infected with human swine influenza A H1N1 (HSI). One of them was hospitalised.
All of them are in stable condition.
The second case involved six boys and four girls aged between one and three attending HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre Joyful Children World. They developed ILI symptoms since August 15.
Samples of the three students, a two-year-old boy and two one-year-old girls, were tested positive for HSI. Two girls were hospitalised.
All of them are in stable condition.
Investigations into the cases are ongoing.
The department had visited the two institutions and provided health advice to the staff. They are put under medical surveillance.
The spokesman called on parents to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.