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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 13) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good environmental and personal hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an upper respiratory tract illness outbreak at a residential child care centre in Wan Chai District, affecting 20 children.
Those affected, comprising 14 males and six females aged 1 or below, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, running nose and sore throat, since May 25.
Four of them required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.
Nasopharynx specimens taken from three admitted children tested positive for parainfluenza virus. Another hospitalised child's nasopharynx specimen tested positive for both adenovirus and parainfluenza virus.
CHP staff have visited the institution and provided health advice to the management.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public 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 cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.
Ends/Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:40
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