20 Mar 2008
A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 20) that a total of 23 reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
Three of them are new cases reported to the CHP today. Relevant influenza tests are still in progress.
The spokesman said the cumulative figures for cases reported to the CHP through the influenza surveillance arrangement to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children are as follows:
| A. Cases with positive tests results for influenza | |
| Total no. of reports | 6 |
| No of patients discharged | 5 |
| No of patients in hospital | 1(stable condition) |
| B. Reports with preliminary negative tests results for influenza | |
| Total no. of reports | 13 |
| C. Reports pending laboratory test result for influenza | |
| Total no. of reports | 4 |
| D. Total reports | |
| Total no. of reports recorded since March 13 | 23 |
| No of patients discharged | 11 |
| No of patients in hospital | 12 |
Meanwhile, CHP received today one report of influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreak affecting three people in an elderly home in Kwun Tong (see Annex).
The spokesman said ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's officials have visited the elderly home and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.
The telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 230 calls. It will continue to operate between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays.
Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details of the institutional outbreaks, preventive tips and the daily update of influenza situation will be available in CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
) shortly.
Annex: Updates on institutional outbreak of influenza (20.3.2008)
| Name of institution (English) : |
Region
|
T
otal affected
|
M
|
F
|
Youngest age
|
Oldest age
|
Hospital admission
|
Confirmed influenza cases
|
|
| 1 | Buddhist Sum Ma Shui Ying Care and Attention Home for the Elderly |
Kwun Tong
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
46
|
90
|
1 (UCH)
|
Yet to be confirmed
|
|
Total:
|
3
|