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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 5) reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent seasonal influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI).
The appeal was made following four recent reports of outbreaks in kindergartens and primary schools involving 88 people.
A CHP spokesman said the affected comprised 51 males and 37 females aged from three to 42. Their symptoms were generally mild and most of them had recovered.
CHP's officials have also conducted field visits to these institutions which were located in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Yau Tong. Health advice was provided accordingly.
Laboratory tests of the respiratory samples taken from two affected children, one from a kindergarten in Yuen Long and one from a kindergarten in Tuen Mun, showed positive results for influenza B.
CHP has sent letters to all institutions including schools and child care centres again today to remind them of the importance of taking preventive measures against seasonal influenza.
The spokesman said there were 163 confirmed cases of influenza outbreak in institutions in 2007. The corresponding figures so far this year was 13.
To prevent influenza and respiratory tract infection, people 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 wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.
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.
For more information on the disease, people may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:14
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