Press Release

CHP investigates influenza A outbreak in kindergarten cum child care centre in Kowloon Tong

21 January 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 21) investigating an influenza A outbreak at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Kowloon Tong, and reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.

The 22 affected pupils, nine boys and 13 girls aged from 2 to 4, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since January 11. All of them sought medical attention, while six of them have been discharged from hospital. They are all in a stable condition.

The respiratory specimens of four hospitalised pupils tested positive for influenza A(H1)pdm09 virus upon testing by the hospitals.

Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the management to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections. The institution has been put under medical surveillance.

The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:

• The influenza page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html );
• The weekly Flu Express report ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html ); and
• The vaccination schemes page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html ).