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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 16) that laboratory test results on the nasal pharyngeal aspirates of two hospitalised students of "Caritas Lok Hing Child Care Centre" yielded positive result to Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV ) (a virus that usually causes respiratory infection).
So far, 15 students of the special child care centre in Tuen Mun developed fever since April 8. Most of them also had respiratory symptoms including cough / sore throat.
Four of them, comprising a boy and three girls aged between three and four, were admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital.
CHP advised the child care centre to suspend classes from yesterday to April 21 for disinfection.
The spokesman said, "hMPV commonly causes respiratory tract infection and may also cause gastrointestinal diseases among children."
"Elderly and immunocompromised are also susceptible."
hMPV infection is usually transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions. It usually occurs in late winter or early spring. The incubation period of the virus is three to five days in most cases.
To prevent the illness, members of the public should take the following precautionary measures:
* Observe good personal hygiene
* Wash their hands frequently
* Maintain good indoor ventilation
* Do physical exercise regularly
* Avoid smoking and crowded areas
Ends/Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:55
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