**********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 3) called on the public to stay vigilant and take necessary preventive measures against common communicable diseases as the new school year began.
A CHP spokesman said that, based on experience from the past few years and current data, a certain number of outbreaks caused by norovirus, influenza, chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and other infectious diseases can be expected in the next three months following school resumption.
He said that norovirus associated acute gastroenteritis outbreaks usually occur from November to January of the following year. This year, an early increase in the number of norovirus associated outbreaks has been recorded by the CHP since July.
"There were 11 and 41 norovirus associated outbreaks recorded in July and August respectively as compared to none to three outbreaks in each of the preceding three months.
"Students and school staff are advised to maintain a good standard of personal, food and environmental hygiene with particular attention to handling of vomitus and excreta to prevent acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in schools and institutions," the spokesman said.
Influenza in Hong Kong is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August. This year, the influenza peak season has lasted for about six months since taking off in mid-January 2012.
"Although the latest data collected through various surveillance systems show that the current influenza activity has returned to baseline level, schools and parents should continue staying vigilant against respiratory illness and outbreaks, especially for those young children who are incapable of taking proper care of themselves," the spokesman added.
Given that influenza vaccines are safe and effective and that serious influenza infection can occur even in healthy children, parents can consult their family doctors to arrange annual seasonal influenza vaccination for their children for personal protection.
"Starting from September 24, children between the ages of 6 months and less than 6 years will be eligible to receive subsidised influenza vaccination from enrolled private doctors participating in the Government's vaccination subsidy schemes," the spokesman said.
Apart from the above, outbreaks of other communicable diseases, like chickenpox and HFMD, may also occur in institutions.
"To prevent outbreaks, students who develop symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, skin rash, fever or influenza-like illness are strongly advised not to attend school and should seek medical advice," the spokesman urged.
The CHP has issued a letter to schools reminding them to take precautions against communicable diseases outbreaks. Moreover, "Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Schools/Kindergartens/Kindergartens-cum-Child Care Centres/Child Care Centres" is also accessible at the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, September 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:14
NNNN
