Press Release

CHP investigates outbreak of influenza-like illness

27 January 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 27) investigating three outbreaks of influenza-like illness, and hence reminded members of the public as well as staff of institutions and schools to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.

The first outbreak, at a secondary school in Ho Man Tin, involves 20 students comprising 10 boys and 10 girls aged 12 to 15 who developed fever, cough and sore throat since January 19. Among them, 16 consulted private doctors and none required hospitalisation.

The second outbreak involves 20 pupils at a primary school in Wan Chai comprising 16 boys and four girls aged 6 to 11, who developed similar symptoms to those above since January 22. Among them, 16 sought medical attention while one was hospitalised for management in stable condition.

The remaining outbreak at another primary school in Wan Chai has affected 21 pupils (12 boys and nine girls aged 5 to 10) and a female staff member. They have developed similar symptoms since January 8. Among them, 15 consulted private doctors and none required hospitalisation. The nasopharyngeal swab of a pupil tested positive for influenza A virus.

All affected persons in the outbreaks have been in stable condition all along.

Officers of the CHP visited and advised the schools to adopt measures against influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The schools have been put under medical surveillance.

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.

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

• The influenza page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
• The weekly Flu Express report (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html);
• The vaccination schemes page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html); and
• The list of participating doctors (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html).