Press Release

Upper respiratory tract infection outbreak under CHP investigation

17 September 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 17) appealed to members of 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 kindergarten in Wong Tai Sin, affecting 24 girls aged between two and five.

Investigations revealed that the affected pupils developed symptoms of URI including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since September 2.

All of the affected pupils sought medical consultation. Two of them required hospitalisation and were discharged. The nasopharyngeal swab of one of the girls who was admitted to hospital tested positive for enterovirus upon laboratory testing. All the patients are currently in a stable condition.

Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided preventive advice against URI to the school. The school was placed under medical surveillance.

To prevent URI and influenza, the public should take heed of the following advice:

• 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 and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask if symptoms of respiratory infections develop;
• Maintain good ventilation; and
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza seasons.

Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

The public can visit the CHP website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.