Press Release

Public urged to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection

13 Mar 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 13) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a URI outbreak at a special school in Kwun Tong, involving 13 students aged between 6 and 18 and 7 staff members aged between 25 and 39.

The investigation revealed that the affected, comprising 11 males and 9 females , developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since March 3. None required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition.

Staff of the CHP conducted site visit and provided health advice to the school. It has been put under medical surveillance.

To prevent URI and influenza, members of the public are advised to adopt 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, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.

Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of URI infection.

For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk).