9 Sep 2009
The Department of Health today (September 9) advised two schools in Sha Tin and Sham Shui Po to suspend classes for seven days starting tomorrow to stop the possible spread of human swine influenza (HSI).
The advice was made following the outbreaks of human swine influenza in the schools involving 24 students, a spokesman for the department said.
The first case involved Caritas Lok Jun School in Sha Tin, where ten students aged six to 18 developed fever, cough and sore throat since September 4 but did not require hospitalisation.
Laboratory results showed that the one of them was confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
Another school concerned is CCC Kei Chun Kindergarten in Sham Shui Po, where 14 students, aged three to six, and two staff presented with fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since September 3. Two of them were admitted to hospitals and had been discharged after treatment.
Laboratory results showed that four students and one staff were confirmed to have been infected with HSI.
All of the affected are in stable condition.
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.