2008-03-16
A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (March 16) that a total of 12 reports have been received so far through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
Of them, four cases, including a case reported to CHP today involving a two-year-old girl admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on March 13 and the three cases announced on March 14, had laboratory evidence of influenza infection.
Among these cases, the two-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on March 11 are in stable condition. The other two girls aged seven and eight respectively have been discharged.
CHP is following up on the remaining reports.
The influenza surveillance arrangement has been implemented since March 13 between CHP and local hospitals to monitor the trend of influenza-related complications in children, including severe pneumonia, myocarditis, shock, sepsis-like or encephalopathy.
The spokesman reminded members of the public that to prevent influenza, they should maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rests, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
Ends/Sunday, March 16, 2008