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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 20) called on the public to stay vigilant in protecting themselves against a number of prevalent infections this winter, particularly influenza and scarlet fever.
According to the CHP's recent surveillance data, a number of infections are likely to have higher activity during this winter season, including influenza, scarlet fever, chickenpox, and viral gastroenteritis, especially norovirus.
Hong Kong has entered the winter influenza season, in which influenza B is the most prevalent. Influenza B outbreaks have recently been associated with serious complications such as encephalitis among children in neighbouring places, such as Taiwan. The influenza vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing influenza infection for all people, and especially for those at high risk of complications such as young children, the elderly and persons with chronic diseases.
Scarlet fever activity is also expected to rise during the winter, in accordance with historical trends and the recent regional pattern. Between January 1 and 19, a total of 83 scarlet fever cases were reported to the CHP, including a recent fatal case involving a 14-year-old girl.
As there is no vaccine for scarlet fever, good personal hygiene remains an important defence, such as washing hands properly, covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, disposing of nasal and mouth discharge properly, keeping good ventilation. Parents are also reminded to take their children to see a doctor if the child develops compatible symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough and rash.
Regarding chickenpox and norovirus infections, a higher number of outbreaks have been observed compared with winter seasons in previous years.
Details on public health preventive measures against these prevalent winter infections can be found on the CHP's website: www.chp.gov.hk .
Ends/Friday, January 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:13
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