23 Nov 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 16 students aged five to 10 and four staff members of a primary school in Kowloon City.
The affected, comprising 14 males and six females, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since November 6.
All of them remained stable and none required hospitalisation.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management. The school is put under medical surveillance.
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 and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning nose;
* 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.