HK enters seasonal flu peak season

19:42, March 18, 2010

Hong Kong has entered the traditional peak period for seasonal influenza, with flu detections rising from 177 in the week ending March 6, to 268 in the week ending March 13, the Center for Health Protection said on Thursday.

Influenza virus isolation in the Public Health Laboratory Center of Hong Kong showed a steady rise. Virus isolates are mainly either influenza A/H1N1, 49 percent, or influenza B, 50 percent.

The consultation rate for influenza-like-illness among sentinel private doctors increased in recently. During the week ending March 13, the consultation rate for influenza-like-illness at private clinics was 51 per 1,000 consultations.

The center will closely monitor the situation and has sent letters to doctors, schools and institutions alerting them to the upcoming flu season and providing advice on prevention and control.
Source: Xinhua


HK primary school closed for flu outbreak
18:01, March 18, 2010

A primary school in Hong Kong started to suspend classes for seven days from Wednesday, following an outbreak of A/H1N1 influenza and influenza B in the school.

The Department of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government advised Raimondi College Primary Section in Wan Chai to close for a week.

A total of 35 boys and 5 girls, aged 6 to 11, have developed with flu-like symptoms since Feb. 26. One student, who tested positive for influenza B, was hospitalized and been discharged. Another student tested positive for A/H1N1 influenza.

All the affected students are in stable condition.
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