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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 4) investigating three outbreaks of influenza-like illness, and hence reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The first outbreak involves a primary school in Causeway Bay. The 21 affected pupils, 13 boys and eight girls aged from six to 10, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 22. Among them, 20 sought medical advice and required no hospitalisation.
The other involves another primary school in Kwai Chung. The 26 affected pupils, 11 boys and 15 girls aged from six to 12, have developed similar symptoms since February 25. All of them sought medical advice and none required hospitalisation.
The third outbreak affects a primary school in Ho Man Tin. The 25 affected pupils, 10 boys and 15 girls aged from seven to 11, have developed similar symptoms since February 26. Among them, 23 sought medical advice and one has been discharged after hospitalisation.
All affected pupils above are now in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP visited the above schools and advised them to adopt measures against respiratory tract infections. These schools have been put under medical surveillance.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks while in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:
* The influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
* The weekly Flu Express report (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:00
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