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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 2) reported the latest surveillance data of the winter influenza season, and again urged the public to heighten vigilance and get vaccinated early against seasonal influenza.
"As most schools resumed after the Lunar New Year, we today issued letters to kindergartens, child care centres and primary and secondary schools as well as special schools to alert them to the current influenza activity, which remains at a high level and is expected to remain so for some time. Continued vigilance is warranted," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Schools should continue to actively check the body temperature of all students every day to identify those with fever who should not attend school till 48 hours after it subsides. Staff with respiratory illnesses should also refrain from work," the spokesman added.
Schools may refer to the CHP's Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/guidelines_on_prevention_of_communicable_diseases_in_schools_kindergartens_kindergartens_cum_child_care-centres_child_are_centres.pdf) for further information.
Regarding severe cases, from noon yesterday (March 1) to noon today, six additional cases of influenza-associated admission to intensive care units or death (including three deaths) among adults aged 18 or above have been recorded under the enhanced surveillance in collaboration with public and private hospitals reactivated since January 2 and an additional death was recorded among previously reported cases, bringing the total to 421 (310 deaths) so far. Among them, 403 were A(H3N2), two were A(H1N1)pdm09, seven were A pending subtype and nine were B. In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 (133 deaths) were filed.
Meanwhile, no additional cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complication or death among children aged under 18 have been reported since yesterday via the ongoing reporting system and the total this year hence remains at 17 (one death) and all were A(H3N2). In 2014, 27 cases (four deaths) were filed.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene 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;
* Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
* 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 when staying 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);
* The update on severe seasonal influenza cases (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/flu_update_en.pdf);
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html);
* The list of participating doctors (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html);
* The Facebook Page (fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection); and
* The YouTube Channel (youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).
Ends/Monday, March 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:11
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