Outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection under close watch

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 6) urged members of the public and management of institutions to take preventive measures against respiratory tract infection by observing strict environmental and personal hygiene.


The appeal was made during the CHP's investigation of reports of an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in an elderly home in Kwun Tong and a residential care home for the disabled (RCHD) in Kwai Chung, affecting a total of 45 people.

In the first case, 23 people at the elderly home were affected. Fifteen residents and eight staff members, comprising eight men and 15 women aged from 29 to 94, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat between December 1, 2008, and January 4 this year.

Fifteen of the affected had sought medical attention and required no hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.

Twenty-two residents of the RCHD, comprising 13 males and nine females aged from 25 to 57, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection between December 27, 2008, and January 4 this year. All of the affected had consulted doctors.

None of them required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.

CHP officials have conducted field visits to the institutions and provided health advice to the staff.

To prevent respiratory tract infection, the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation; and
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation.

Members of the public, particularly children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases, should wear face masks and consult doctors promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
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