Press Release

Influenza-like illness outbreak under CHP investigation

26 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 26) investigating an influenza-like illness outbreak at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Tseung Kwan O affecting 22 residents, and hence reminded members of the public and staff of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.

The affected residents, comprising six men and 16 women aged 81 to 97, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including fever, cough and sore throat since February 15.

All of them sought medical consultation and 21 required hospitalisation. All are currently in a stable condition.

The nasopharyngeal swabs taken from 17 affected persons tested positive for influenza A, with seven of them testing positive for influenza A (H3).

Officers of the CHP visited the RCHE and advised the management to adopt measures against respiratory tract infection. The RCHE has 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 update on severe influenza cases (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/flu_update_en.pdf);
• 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).