30 Nov 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 23 children of a kindergarten in Tsuen Wan.
The affected, comprising 13 males and 10 females, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat since November 24.
Three of them were hospitalised. Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen taken from one of them was tested positive for adenovirus.
All affected persons are in stable condition.
CHP staff have visited the school 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. It may also cause conjunctivitis.
"Adenovirus infection is usually transmitted by direct contact or faecal-oral transmission. It can occur throughout the year," the spokesman said.
Most infections were mild and patients usually 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.