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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 22) investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) at a kindergarten cum child care centre in Sha Tin, and appealed to members of the public to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.
The outbreak involves 23 children, 12 boys and 11 girls aged from 3 to 5, who have developed URI symptoms including cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever since January 13. All the affected children sought medical consultation and five of them were hospitalised and have been discharged.
The respiratory specimens of three hospitalised children tested positive for adenovirus upon laboratory testing. All the affected children are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit to the kindergarten cum child care centre and provided preventive advice against URI. The kindergarten cum child care centre has been placed under medical surveillance.
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses which infect the mucus membranes. Depending on the type of virus, they may cause respiratory illnesses, but also diarrhoea, eye infections and rashes. Infections can occur all year round. Young children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients are more susceptible.
"The infection mainly spreads through air droplets, direct contact of the oro-nasal secretions of patients, or ingestion of contaminated food or water, and may cause outbreaks of acute respiratory or eye infections in institutional settings such as schools and hospitals," a spokesman for the CHP said.
To prevent adenovirus infection, the public should take heed of the measures below:
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
* Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharge properly;
* Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after going to the toilet or handling vomitus, faecal matter and oro-nasal secretions;
* Wear gloves while disposing of vomitus, faeces and diapers, and wash hands afterwards;
* Clean and disinfect contaminated articles and surfaces promptly and thoroughly with 1:49 diluted household bleach (1 part of household bleach in 49 parts of water);
* Avoid touching the eyes with hands;
* Do not share towels and toilet articles;
* Avoid sharing eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes;
* Avoid crowded places where ventilation is unsatisfactory; and
* Children developing symptoms of infection should refrain from going to school and seek medical advice.
The public may visit the CHP's page on adenovirus infection (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/13464.html) for more information.
Ends/Friday, January 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:00
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