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"The Immigration Department has learnt that 12 Hong Kong students in Chengdu, Sichuan were feeling unwell and required hospitalisation," a Government's spokesman said today (January 23). Staff of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chengdu Economic and Trade Office (CDETO) have visited them to see their situation. The students are members of a group of students and teachers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The group arrived at Chengdu on January 17 and is scheduled to return to Hong Kong via Chongqing today.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has liaised with Chengdu health authority with regard to the medical conditions of the affected students. The 12 affected students experienced mild flu like symptoms such as sore throat and cough since January 19. One of them was diagnosed to have chest infection, and is now in stable condition. They have been admitted to the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. According to the clinical diagnosis of the attending doctor, the students have ordinary seasonal influenza. They have not had contact with any poultry. The relevant Government departments will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities, with a view to providing assistance to the affected students. The Department of Health will follow up on the medical conditions of the students when they return to Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the other 18 students and their tutors did not experience flu like symptoms. They will return to Hong Kong later today as scheduled.
Residents who need assistance while outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
Ends/Friday, January 23, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:36
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