22 Feb 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 22 children of a residential child care centre in Causeway Bay.
The affected, comprising 14 boys and eight girls aged between four months and two years old, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and runny nose between January 31 and February 20.
Four children were admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Two have been discharged. Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens taken from them tested positive to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and adenovirus respectively.
All affected children are in stable condition.
CHP staff visited the centre and provided health advice to the management.
A CHP spokesman said that RSV was spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and could be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.
"The incubation period is one to 10 days and is usually five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite," he said.
Regarding adenovirus, the spokesman noted that it was a group of viruses that commonly cause viral infection in children. The symptoms may vary from respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat, to gastroenteritis illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea. There may be associated conjunctivitis.
"Adenovirus infection is usually transmitted by direct contact or faecal-oral transmission. It can occur throughout the year," he said.
While most infections are mild and require no therapy or only symptomatic treatment, strict attention to good hygiene practices is effective for preventing adenovirus-associated disease, he added.
To prevent upper respiratory tract infection and influenza, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* To maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing;
* To maintain good ventilation; and
* To avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.