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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 8) investigating three outbreaks of influenza-like illness at two primary schools and a kindergarten-cum-child care centre, and hence reminded members of the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza.
The first outbreak involves a primary school in Yuen Long. The 20 affected pupils, comprising nine boys and 11 girls aged 6 to 12, have developed fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since February 18. Eighteen of them sought medical attention but required no hospitalisation.
The second outbreak involves a primary school in Sham Shui Po. The 21 affected pupils, comprising 16 boys and five girls aged 6 to 8, have developed fever, cough and sore throat since February 24. Among them, 20 sought medical consultation but no hospitalisation was required.
The third outbreak involves a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Tsing Yi. The 20 affected pupils, comprising 10 boys and 10 girls aged 2 to 5, have developed fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since February 25. Among them, 17 sought medical consultation but no hospitalisation was required.
All affected pupils are now in a stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the above schools and advised them to adopt necessary measures against respiratory tract infections. The 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/Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:10
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