Press Release

CHP investigates influenza-like illness outbreak in primary school

4 February 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 4) investigating an influenza-like illness outbreak at a primary school in Sha Tin affecting 21 students. The CHP reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza.

The affected students, comprising eight boys and 13 girls aged 6 to 10, had developed cough, sore throat and fever since January 28.

All affected students sought medical consultation and did not require hospitalisation. All are currently in stable condition.

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 public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene 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 (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); and
• The vaccination schemes page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).