***********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 7) is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) in a secondary school in Wan Chai, and hence appealed to members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene against URI.
The affected students, 20 boys aged from 12 to 13, have developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since February 28. Ten of them subsequently sought medical consultation but none required hospitalisation. All affected students are currently in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided preventive advice against URI to the school management. The school has been put 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 URI.
The public can visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.
Ends/Friday, March 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:05
NNNN
