The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 20) investigating eight outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), affecting eight primary schools. The CHP strongly appealed to members of the public and staff of institutions to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene as an increasing number of institutional URTI outbreaks have been recorded recently.
Details of the outbreaks are listed in the table below:
| Type of school (District) | Number of people affected and details of medical attention | Earliest onset date | Symptoms |
| Case 1: Primary School (Southern District) |
10 boys and 15 girls (aged 6 to 9); 16 of them sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 6 | Fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 2 : Primary School (Eastern District) |
15 boys and six girls (aged 6 to 11); eight of them sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 11 | Fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 3: Primary School (Yau Tsim Mong District) |
Nine boys and 11 girls (aged 6 to 12); 16 of them sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 8 | Cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 4: Primary School (Kwun Tong District) |
10 boys and 10 girls (aged 7 to 10); all sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 14 | Cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 5: Primary School (Yuen Long District) |
11 boys and 15 girls (aged 6 to 11); six of them sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 10 | Cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 6: Primary School (Eastern District) |
Five boys and 16 girls (aged 6 to 9); all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 5 | Cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 7: Primary School (Central and Western District) |
Eight boys and 10 girls (aged 6 to 9) and four staff members; 17 of them sought medical attention; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 6 | Fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat |
| Case 8: Primary School (Southern District) |
10 boys and nine girls (aged 6 to 9) and two staff members; all are in stable condition and none required hospitalisation | November 14 | Fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat |
The schools are advised to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory infections and have been put under medical surveillance.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses by noting the following:
• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• A surgical mask can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the nose and mouth with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
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 respiratory tract infection.
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