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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has received two reports of institutional outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI) affecting an elderly home and a kindergarten involving 13 persons today (March 6). ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses.
Laboratory tests on the respiratory sample taken from three residents of the elderly home showed a positive result to Influenza A.
CHP's officials have visited all these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.
To prevent influenza, members of the public are urged to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are urged to build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More information on the preventive measures against influenza are available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, March 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:41
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