sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
Upper respiratory tract infection outbreak under CHP investigation
28 May 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 28) appealed to members of 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 residential home for the elderly in Southern District involving 20 residents aged between 61 and 96.
Investigations revealed that the affected persons, comprising 10 men and 10 women, had developed symptoms of URI including cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever since May 18.
Nineteen residents sought medical consultation and six of them required hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided preventive advice to the institution against URI. The institution was placed under medical surveillance.
To prevent URI and influenza, the public should take heed of the following advice:
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, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask if symptoms of respiratory infections develop;
Maintain good ventilation; and
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza seasons.
Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of URI.
The public can visit the CHP website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.
http://www.dh.gov.hk/english/press/2014/140528-2.html
28 May 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 28) appealed to members of 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 residential home for the elderly in Southern District involving 20 residents aged between 61 and 96.
Investigations revealed that the affected persons, comprising 10 men and 10 women, had developed symptoms of URI including cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever since May 18.
Nineteen residents sought medical consultation and six of them required hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided preventive advice to the institution against URI. The institution was placed under medical surveillance.
To prevent URI and influenza, the public should take heed of the following advice:
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, coughing and cleaning the nose. Wear a mask if symptoms of respiratory infections develop;
Maintain good ventilation; and
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation, especially during peak influenza seasons.
Members of the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear a face mask and consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of URI.
The public can visit the CHP website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) for more information on URI.
http://www.dh.gov.hk/english/press/2014/140528-2.html