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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) advised a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Yau Ma Tei to suspend classes for one week starting tomorrow (April 12) upon receiving reports of a number of students having fever with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms today (April 11).
The school, named "HKFYG Ching Lok Kindergarten (Yau Ma Tei)", reported to the CHP that 47 students and one staff have taken sick leave today. Of them, 33 students developed fever with mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms varying from cough, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea from April 10. Preliminary investigation suggested that the clinical features are compatible with viral infection.
Four students (two males and two females aged between four and six) were admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. All of them are now in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman said, "CHP is conducting epidemiological investigation and laboratory investigations."
"In view of the large number of students affected, CHP advised the school to suspend classes for a week from April 12 to 18 for thorough cleansing and disinfection.
"This is a precautionary measure against the spread of infection in the school."
The school will inform all parents of the class suspension arrangement. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind their children to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
CHP had conducted field visit to the institution and provided health instructions to the staff.
As a general measure to prevent common infectious diseases, the spokesman advised the members of the public to: -
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoid smoking;
* Maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene;
* Wash hands after sneezing, coughing and toileting and before eating.
Ends/Friday, April 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:01
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