2008-03-12
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks affecting 23 schools involving a total of 184 people today (March 12).
A CHP spokesman said ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's officials have visited all these institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.
CHP will provide the public with information on seasonal influenza starting tomorrow. The hotline (telephone no. 2125-1133) will operate between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday.
CHP received a report from Hospital Authority today concerning a three-year-old boy who was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday because of persistent fever, cough and shortness of breath. He was transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) today and is now in stable condition. Initial investigation showed his respiratory sample yielded positive results for influenza A (H1N1). Further tests are under progress.
CHP is keeping a close watch on the case and has contacted the kindergarten which the boy attended. Health advice was provided to the school accordingly. So far no ILI outbreak has been reported in the school.
Regarding the death of a seven-year-old boy with respiratory and neurological symptoms in Tuen Mun Hospital, the spokesman said further laboratory tests showed that the boy's respiratory sample yielded positive results for influenza A (H1N1). The case has been referred to the Coroner's Court for follow up investigation.
On the other hand, CHP today received a report concerning a 21-month-old boy who developed fever and cough on February 22. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department (A&ED) of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital the next day. He developed generalized seizure at A&ED and was transferred to the ICU of Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment subsequently. The boy passed away on February 24.
The spokesman said that examination of the boy's respiratory sample yielded negative results for Influenza A and B. There is no evidence at the present stage suggesting the boy has contracted influenza. Further investigation is ongoing. The case has been submitted to Coroner's Court for investigation.
To prevent influenza, members of the public are urged to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are urged to build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details of the institutional outbreaks, preventive tips and the daily update of influenza situation are now available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, March 12, 2008