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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received one outbreak report of influenza-like illness today (April 25) involving a primary school affecting three students (see Annex).
A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's staff have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.
Meanwhile, two reports involving a five-year-old girl and an 11-month-old boy were received today under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals. The girl is now in Tuen Mun Hospital while the boy is in Queen Mary Hospital. Their preliminary influenza tests are both negative.
Among the 33 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.
For the other 23 cases who had preliminary influenza test negative, 16 were discharged, one had died as reported on April 23, and six patients were still in hospital including a critically ill three-year-old girl. Her respiratory sample yielded positive results for human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
The spokesman said that hMPV has been reported worldwide and known to cause respiratory tract infection predominantly in children. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate in healthy children. It is transmitted by direct contact or through contact with contaminated secretions.
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 (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, April 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:46
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