Press Release

Influenza-like illness outbreak under CHP investigation

19 January 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 19) investigating an influenza-like illness outbreak at a secondary school in Kowloon City affecting 28 students, and hence reminded members of the public and staff of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.

The affected students, comprising 28 girls aged 12 to 14, have developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough and sore throat since January 8.

Nineteen of them sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. All affected students are currently in stable condition.

Officers of the CHP have visited the school and advised the management to adopt measures against respiratory tract infection.

To prevent respiratory tract infection, the CHP advises members of the public to take heed of the following advice:

• Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, after using a toilet and after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose;
• Wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
• Maintain good ventilation;
• When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider to put on surgical masks when staying in these places; and
• Get a seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the CHP's Influenza Page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).