There is no vaccine against M. pneumoniae. As with any respiratory disease, good personal hygiene and infection control practices can effectively prevent transmission of M. pneumoniae. Members of the public are reminded to take the following measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• To build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• To maintain good personal hygiene, such as:
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.
• Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, e.g., after sneezing or coughing.
• Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin.
• Wear mash when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop, refrain from work or school and seek medical advice promptly; and
• To maintain good ventilation of indoor areas and avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

  The CHP will continue to monitor the situation. You are also reminded to report outbreaks of respiratory illness occurring in institutional settings to our Central Notification Office (Tel: 2477-2772; Fax: 2477-2770; CENO On-line at http://www.chp.gov.hk/ceno) for prompt epidemiological investigations and control measures.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr Monica Wong)

Acting Consultant Community Medicine (Communicable Disease)

Centre for Health Protection

Department of Health