20 Dec 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 20) called on people to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The appeal was made after the CHP received a report of an influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreak affecting 20 girls at a primary school in Yau Tsim Mong District.
The affected pupils aged between six and seven. They developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat since December 13.
No hospitalisation was required. All the affected are in stable condition.
CHP staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.