Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/080409/html/080409en05004.htm
April 9, 2008
Surveillance
Influenza-B virus detected in most flu samples
The Department of Health Public Health Laboratory Centre has tested 1,974 flu samples, of which the majority were the influenza-B virus, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.
He told lawmakers today most of the viruses detected in 2003, 2004, 2005 and last year were influenza-A (H3N2) while most of those detected in 2006 were influenza-A (H1N1).
This year 49.2% or 971 of the 1,974 flu virus samples tested so far were influenza-B. For influenza-A the H1N1 virus accounted for 32.3% of samples with the H3N2 virus at 14.8%.
Dr Chow said as at March 22 admissions to public hospitals due to a principal diagnosis of influenza this year was 814, with people aged 14 or below accounting for 68.7% and those aged 65 or above at 18.4%.
He said the number of influenza outbreaks in schools ranged from 32 to 94 a year from 2004 to 2007 while the corresponding number in elderly homes ranged from nine to 162. As at March 27 there were 51 influenza outbreaks in schools and seven in elderly homes.
Dr Chow said the Centre for Health Protection will closely monitor Hong Kong's influenza situation and offer timely data analysis and health advice. Parents and schools will be informed as early as practicable should classes be suspended due to influenza outbreaks.
April 9, 2008
Surveillance
Influenza-B virus detected in most flu samples
The Department of Health Public Health Laboratory Centre has tested 1,974 flu samples, of which the majority were the influenza-B virus, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.
He told lawmakers today most of the viruses detected in 2003, 2004, 2005 and last year were influenza-A (H3N2) while most of those detected in 2006 were influenza-A (H1N1).
This year 49.2% or 971 of the 1,974 flu virus samples tested so far were influenza-B. For influenza-A the H1N1 virus accounted for 32.3% of samples with the H3N2 virus at 14.8%.
Dr Chow said as at March 22 admissions to public hospitals due to a principal diagnosis of influenza this year was 814, with people aged 14 or below accounting for 68.7% and those aged 65 or above at 18.4%.
He said the number of influenza outbreaks in schools ranged from 32 to 94 a year from 2004 to 2007 while the corresponding number in elderly homes ranged from nine to 162. As at March 27 there were 51 influenza outbreaks in schools and seven in elderly homes.
Dr Chow said the Centre for Health Protection will closely monitor Hong Kong's influenza situation and offer timely data analysis and health advice. Parents and schools will be informed as early as practicable should classes be suspended due to influenza outbreaks.