Hong Kong, Public urged to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection (January 18 2013)

[Giuseppe]

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

Public urged to be vigilant against upper respiratory tract infection


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 18) 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 Yuen Long involving 20 pupils aged between 3 and 5.

Investigation revealed that the affected pupils, comprising 10 males and 10 females, have developed URI symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since January 9. All of the affected pupils sought medical consultation from private doctors and none of them required hospitalisation. They are all currently in a stable condition.

Staff of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the kindergarten.

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, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing and cleaning their 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 infection.

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


Ends/Friday, January 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:18
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