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Hong Kong (SAR)
Influenza outbreak closes primary schools
Created: March 13, 2008 01:08 GMT
Updated: March 13, 2008 02:39 GMT
To curtail a seasonal flu outbreak, authorities in Hong Kong have decided to close all kindergartens, primary schools and special education centers for two weeks. The closures begin 13 March, ahead of the previously scheduled Easter holiday closure, and will impact about half a million children at over 1,700 schools. The school closures are intended to stop children from passing the virus among their classmates.
Two deaths and one severe case of flu are under investigation . They appear to be unrelated to each other.
A three-year-old girl, admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 1 passed away on the same day, was positive result for influenza A/H3.
A seven-year-old boy developed fever and headache on February 24, was admitted to hospital on March 8 and died on March 11. Preliminary tests were negative for influenza, however subsequent tests showed influenza A/H1N1. Five of his classmates were admitted to hospital with influenza-like symptoms, and are now in a stable condition. The school involved was closed prior to March 13.
A three-year-old boy admitted to hospital on March 11 with fever, cough and shortness of breath. He is in a stable condition in intensive care. He has tested positive for influenza A/H1N1.
In the case of a 21-month-old boy who died on February 24 "there is no evidence of flu" and investigations are ongoing. He suffered from cough and fever, and suffered a seizure.
A number of schools have reported confirmed outbreaks, and many more are suspected.
The Disease
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness that sometimes causes serious complications. In the northern hemisphere, the flu season generally ranges from November through March. In the southern hemisphere, most activity occurs from April through September. Risk of exposure exists throughout the year in tropical areas.
Although most people feel better in a couple of days, influenza can be life-threatening, especially in very young and older patients. Because it is a viral illness, it does not respond to antibiotics, however can be treated with antiviral medication.
Influenza can be prevented via an annual vaccination, which is especially important for people over 50 years old, those with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems (including asthma) and people caring for young children.
International SOS Comment
Hong Kong is in the peak of the influenza season, and it is expected to continue for some time. The viruses responsible for these outbreaks are seasonal influenza viruses, and the information available to date indicates no marked variations with 2006 or 2007 flu seasons.
Although the current seasonal influenza vaccination may not match the circulating strains exactly, adults and children who have not had an annual flu vaccination should consider having one.
In addition, to prevent flu and prevent spreading illness:
Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a mask or a tissue.
Stay at home if you are unwell
Parents should take their young children with fever or influenza-like symptoms for prompt medical attention.
For more information:
See the International SOS Country Guide for Hong Kong
See "Influenza" in the Disease and Prevention dropdown on the International SOS Country Guides
Contact any International SOS Alarm Center
Call the Centre for Health Protection hotline at 2125 1133 (from within Hong Kong). It will be staffed 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Authors:
Dr. Doug Quarry
Dr. Irene Lai
Viki Hansen-Landis, MPH (editor)