*****************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received two reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness today (April 23) involving a primary school and a residential home for the disabled, affecting a total of 10 people (see Annex).
A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's staff have visited these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.
Meanwhile, no report was received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.
Among the 31 cases reported under the arrangement since March 13, 10 cases have laboratory evidence of influenza including nine discharged cases and one case in stable condition. The remaining 21 cases had preliminary influenza tests that were negative, including 15 discharged cases and five patients who are now in hospital. Another 11-year-old boy passed away in Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) this morning.
The spokesman said the boy was admitted to PWH on April 17 because of convulsion and fever.
Preliminary examination of the boy's respiratory sample yielded negative results for Influenza A and B, parainfluenza, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.
¡°There is no evidence at the present stage suggesting the boy had contracted influenza. He had no history of recent travel.
¡°Further investigation is ongoing and the case has been submitted to the Coroner¡¯s Court for investigation,¡± the spokesman said.
CHP staff visited the school which the boy had attended and health advice was given to the school accordingly. So far no outbreak of influenza has been reported in the school.
The spokesman said members of the public should remain vigilant by taking precautionary measures against influenza.
They are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:32
NNNN