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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent influenza.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an influenza-like illness outbreak at a residential care home for the elderly in Yuen Long, affecting 20 residents and one staff member aged between 43 and 98.
The affected persons, comprising six males and 15 females, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since May 10.
Sixteen of them required hospitalisation, with 12 persons having been discharged. All are in stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from 15 hospitalised residents tested positive for influenza A.
CHP staff have visited the institution 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.
Ends/Monday, May 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:10
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