14 Sep 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) repeated its call on the public, school teachers and pupils to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).
The reminder followed CHP's investigation into a URI outbreak in a secondary school in Causeway Bay reported today involving 26 girls in one class.
Investigation revealed that the affected students, aged between 11 and 13, developed URI symptoms including runny nose, cough and sore throat, with the first case onset on September 11.
Two of the affected sought consultation with general practitioners and did not require hospitalisation. All the girls are now in stable condition.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a field visit and provided health advice to the school, which will be closely monitored.
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 and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* 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.
For more information on the disease, people may visit the CHP's website(
http://www.chp.gov.hk
).