8 Sep 2009
The Department of Health today (September 8) advised four schools in Kowloon City, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O and Kwun Tong to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow to stop the possible spread of influenza in the schools.
The advice was made following the outbreaks of human swine influenza (HSI) in the schools involving 180 students and one member of staff, a spokesman for the department said.
The first case involved Form One and Form Two students of Diocesan Boys’ School in Kowloon City, where a total of 59 boys, aged between 12 and 14, developed influenza symptoms since September 3. One student has been admitted to hospital in stable condition..
Laboratory results showed that six boys were confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
As all affected students came from Form One and Form Two, DH advised the school to suspend these two grades from September 9 to 15.
The second case involved Shatin College in Sha Tin, where 42 boys and 43 girls aged between 10 and 19 presented with fever, cough and sore throat since September 2. One of them required hospitalisation. All of the affected are in stable condition.
Laboratory results showed that nine students were confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
The third case involved Hong Chi Morninghill School, Tsui Lam in Tseung Kwan O. Six boys and eight girls aged between seven and 14 developed influenza symptoms since September 2. Two of them required hospitalisation. They are in stable condition.
Respiratory specimens taken from two students were tested positive for HSI.
The fourth case involved CCC Kei Shun Special School in Kwun Tong, where 22 students aged between eight and 18 and a staff member developed influenza symptoms since September 3. Three of them were admitted to hospital in stable condition.
Laboratory results showed that eight affected persons were confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
DH advised the three schools to suspend all classes for a week.
The department had visited the schools and advised the staff on infection control measures. The schools 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.