CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection

5 Feb 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 5) is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 13 residents and seven staff members of an institution in Central and Western District.

The affected, comprising six males and 14 females, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough, running nose and sore throat between January 21 and February 5.

One of them was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital and has already been discharged in stable condition. His nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen was tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

CHP staff have visited the institution and provided health instructions to the management.

A CHP spokesman said that RSV was spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.

"The incubation period can be one to 10 days but is usually between five and seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite," he noted.

To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:

* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
* Wash hands when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Infected persons should avoid contact with children or those with low body resistance.