7 Jul 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has today (July 7) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent adenovirus infection as CHP's surveillance data showed an increasing trend in adenovirus activity.
A CHP spokesman said the number of adenoviruses detected from respiratory specimens in the Department's Public Health Laboratory Centre (PHLC) has increased with 203 detected in May and 241 in June, 2011, as compared with 71 and 80 in May and June 2010 respectively.
The prevailing serotypes identified were types 1, 2 and 3, which mainly cause acute respiratory tract infections. Other subtypes of adenoviruses may also cause various illnesses such as gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis.
CHP had sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, institutions and all the doctors in June alerting them to the increase in adenovirus activity and providing advice on prevention and control.
To prevent adenovirus infection, the public are reminded to take the following measures:
*Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
*Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing , cleaning the nose and before eating;
* Avoid touching the eyes with hands and do not share items that may come into contact with the eyes such as towels, eye medicines and eye make-ups;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* Children with acute febrile illness should not attend school till 48 hours post-defervescence.