CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection

13 August 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 19 children and a staff member of a kindergarten in Causeway Bay.

The affected, comprising 14 males and six females, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since July 21.

Six of them were hospitalised but have now been discharged. Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens taken from four infected children tested positive for adenovirus.

All affected persons are in stable condition.

CHP staff have visited the centre and provided health advice to the management.

A CHP spokesman said adenovirus 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," the spokesman said.

While most infections were mild and required no therapy or only symptomatic treatment, strict attention to good hygiene practices was effective for preventing adenovirus-associated diseases, he said.

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.