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Hong Kong: CHP investigates upper respiratory infection outbreak in elderly home (3/1/10)
Hong Kong: CHP investigates upper respiratory infection outbreak in elderly home (3/1/10)
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 19 residents aged between 73 and 100 and two staff members of an elderly home in Sha Tin.
The 21 affected females developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and runny nose between February 15 and March 1. One of the affected residents was admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen taken from her tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). All the affected people are in stable condition. CHP staff visited the elderly home and provided health advice to the management.
A CHP spokesman said that RSV was spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and could be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.
"The incubation period can be one to 10 days but is usually five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, headache and decreased appetite," he said.
To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing and coughing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation 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 respiratory tract infection.
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 19 residents aged between 73 and 100 and two staff members of an elderly home in Sha Tin.
The 21 affected females developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and runny nose between February 15 and March 1. One of the affected residents was admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen taken from her tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). All the affected people are in stable condition. CHP staff visited the elderly home and provided health advice to the management.
A CHP spokesman said that RSV was spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and could be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings.
"The incubation period can be one to 10 days but is usually five to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, headache and decreased appetite," he said.
To prevent respiratory tract infection caused by RSV, members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing and coughing;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation 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 respiratory tract infection.
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View Original Article