CHP investigates outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection at residential child care centre in Wan Chai District

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection (URI) at a residential child care centre in Wan Chai District, and appealed to members of the public and staff of institutions to stay alert and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.

     The outbreak affected 12 boys and eight girls aged 2 months to 2 years who have developed URI symptoms including fever, cough and runny nose since May 20. All patients sought medical attention. Among them, two required hospitalisation and were discharged following treatment. All patients are now in stable condition.
 
     The nasopharyngeal swab of one girl tested positive for enterovirus/rhinovirus upon laboratory testing.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the centre to adopt necessary infection control measures against respiratory tract infections. The centre has been placed under medical surveillance.

     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
• 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 when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
• Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; 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.