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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 17 students and 15 staff members at a special school in Sham Shui Po.
The affected students aged 7 to 20, comprising 13 males and four females, together with the 15 staff members developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat, since June 7.
Four of the affected students were admitted to Caritas Medical Centre for medical treatment and have already been discharged. Nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from two affected students tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
All the 32 affected people are in stable condition.
CHP staff visited the special school and provided health advice to the management.
A CHP spokesman said that RSV is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and could be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.
"The incubation period can be one to 10 days but is usually five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, headache and decreased appetite," he said.
To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take 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 and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing and coughing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:49
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