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Press Release

Update on outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in primary school

3 February 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 3) provided an update on its investigation into an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) in Buddhist Wing Yan School in Yuen Long reported yesterday (February 2).

Upon follow-up investigations, the CHP identified 24 additional affected pupils, 13 boys and 11 girls aged 6 to 11. They have developed cough, sore throat and fever since January 30.

This brings the total number of affected pupils to 51 so far and 40 of them have sought medical attention. None of them required hospitalisation and all are now in stable condition.

The CHP today noted that the school had decided to advance its Lunar New Year holiday to tomorrow (February 4), and pupils would return to school on February 17 afterwards. The school management was again reminded to adopt measures to prevent respiratory tract infection. Medical surveillance on the school is continuing.

The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene 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.

Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

The public can visit the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.

3 Feb 2016