31 Aug 2009
The Department of Health today (August 31) advised a primary school and a secondary school (Form 1) to suspend classes and to postpone commencement of the academic year for seven days respectively, to stop the possible spread of respiratory tract infectionin the schools.
The advice was made following the reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the two institutions involving 86 people, a spokesman for the department said.
The first case involved the Hong Kong International School (Upper and Lower Primary) in Southern District. A total of 29 boys and 36 girls, aged between four and 10, developed ILI symptoms since August 19.
Laboratory results showed that four students were confirmed to have infected with human swine influenza. One of them has been admitted to hospital.
All affected students are in stable condition.
The second case involved 21 boys, aged between 11 and 13, of Ying Wa College in Sham Shui Po. They had attended the Form One Bridging Course and developed ILI symptoms since August 23.
The school was advised to postpone the commencement of the academic year by seven days for Form One classes, starting tomorrow.
All affected students have sought medical attention and no hospitalization is required.
Investigations into the cases are ongoing.
The department had visited the schools and advised staff on infection control measures. 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.