Press Release

CHP investigates influenza outbreak at kindergarten

3 February 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 3) investigating an influenza outbreak at the Chinese YMCA Sheung Shui Kindergarten in Sheung Shui, and again reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.

The 24 affected pupils, 14 boys and 10 girls aged from 3 to 6, have developed fever, sore throat and cough since January 27. Among them, 18 sought medical attention and one of them was hospitalised for management. All affected pupils are now in a stable condition.

The respiratory specimen of the hospitalised pupil tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus upon laboratory testing by the hospital.

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. Officers of the CHP visited the school and advised the management to adopt measures to prevent respiratory tract infection. The school has been put under medical surveillance.

"The local winter influenza season is underway. Members of the public, particularly young children, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, are hence again urged to get vaccinated early and observe strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene," a spokesman for the CHP said.

The public should observe precautions below to protect 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 ).