Hong Kong, Public urged to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection (September 19 2011)

[Giuseppe]

[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]

Public urged to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection


19 September 2011


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 19) called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into a URI outbreak at a kindergarten in Southern District involving 20 children aged between 3 and 5.

Investigation revealed that the affected children, comprising nine boys and 11 girls, developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since September 10. No hospitalisation is required. All the affected children are in stable condition.

Staff of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the kindergarten. The school was put under medical surveillance.

To prevent URI and influenza, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:

• Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, and by reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory infections;
• Maintain good ventilation; and
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza season.

Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult their doctors for medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of URI.

For more information on the disease, members of the public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).

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