Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 7) urged members of the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infection by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.

The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation of an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 21 children of a nursery school in Eastern District.

The affected, comprising 12 boys and nine girls aged from two to five, have developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat, since November 30.

The CHP's investigation revealed that all of the affected children were stable and none of them required hospitalisation.

CHP officials have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff.

To prevent respiratory tract infection, the public are advised to adopt 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 hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask when developing symptoms of respiratory tract infections;
• 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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[kiwibird]

Re: Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

Thanks IOH. Do you know why so much attention has been paid to what would appear to be an everyday occurance in such a large population?

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

Thanks IOH. Do you know why so much attention has been paid to what would appear to be an everyday occurance in such a large population?

Hong Kong SAR traditionally takes seriously into account every occurrence of respiratory illness, until the etiological agent is finally isolated and characterized.

This is due in part to earlier experiences of avian influenza in humans (1997) and sporadic cases of H5N1 and H9N2 as well as the SARS 2003 outbreaks.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

Thanks again. So they are just being cautious. Sensible.

 

[alert]

Re: Hong Kong: Outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch (12/7/09)

I would also add that Hong Kong is a sentinel station for influenza monitoring - the WHO uses them to detect which strains of influenza are ciruclating and in which proportions. So it is often important to determine the agent responsible for even a mild outbreak to determine what strains are circulating.