Press Release

CHP investigates upper respiratory tract illness outbreak

28 November 2012

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 28) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection.

The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an upper respiratory tract illness outbreak at a kindergarten in Kowloon City, affecting 22 children.

Those affected, comprising 11 males and 11 females aged from three to five, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, running nose and sore throat, since October 28.

Nine of them required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.

Nasopharyngeal swabs from eight hospitalised students tested positive for adenovirus.

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 hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.