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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said no report was received today (March 31) through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
There was also no new influenza outbreak reported to the CHP today.
The latest breakdown figures are as follows:
A. Reports with positive tests results for
influenza
Total No of reports 10
No of patients discharged 8
B. Reports with preliminary negative tests results
for influenza
Total No of reports 16
C. Reports pending laboratory test result for
influenza
Total No of reports 1
D. Total reports
Total No of reports recorded since March 13 27
No of patients discharged 19
No of patients in hospital 8
Kindergartens, kindergartens/child care centres, primary schools and special schools resumed classes starting today. The spokesman reminded schools and parents to stay alert by taking precautionary measures against influenza.
"Schools are requested to report to DH when an increase of absentees suffering from the same infectious disease and with similar symptoms or an unusual absenteeism pattern is noticed after class resumption for epidemiological investigation and outbreak control," the spokesman said.
"If influenza outbreaks are detected in individual schools, DH will assess the situation with the Education Bureau to determine whether those schools should suspend classes," he said.
"Factors to be considered include the number of students in the school with influenza symptoms, whether there is more than 1% of students in the school admitted to hospitals due to influenza illness, or whether there are cases of serious influenza-related complications requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit in hospital."
The telephone hotline (2125 1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 249 calls. It will continue to operate between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday except public holidays
People are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details of preventive tips on influenza are available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, March 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:39
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