In view of a recent outbreak of febrile respiratory illness among health care staff in Prince of Wales Hospital, the Department of Health (DH) is conducting a detailed investigation with the Hospital Authority and the Hong Kong University and Chinese University of Hong Kong to identify the cause of infection. The situation will be monitored closely.
The Department of Health has informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the latest developments. Hong Kong is working closely with the WHO on disease control and prevention.
Advice applicable to all
As a precautionary measure, members of the public are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent respiratory tract infections:
Build up good body immunity. This means taking a proper diet, having regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking
Maintain good personal hygiene, and wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose
Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. If necessary, wash hands before touching them
Maintain good ventilation
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation
Do not share towels
Use serving utensils at meal times
Consult their doctor promptly if they develop respiratory symptoms
For schools and pre-school institutions and other institutional settings
'
Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Child Care Centres / Kindergartens / Schools
' and '
Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly and People with Disabilities
' published by the Department of Health are available at DH's website
http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/guideline/478/35.html
. Specific advice in the institutional setting that helps to prevent respiratory tract infections includes:
Cleanse used toys and furniture properly
Keep hands clean and wash hands properly
Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing
Use liquid soap for hand washing and disposable towel for drying hands
Do not share towels
For health care workers in clinic setting
There is as at date no unusual upsurge of pneumonia cases in the community.
All clinic staff should enforce strict infection control measures appropriate for their particular setting, especially observance of good personal hygiene.
If staff fall sick, they should report to their seniors and take sick leave as appropriate.
Where considered necessary, for example, treating or nursing a patient with respiratory symptoms, staff may wear masks.
Patients with respiratory symptoms are advised to wear mask to reduce the chance of spread of the infection.
Caring for sick family members with respiratory illness
Patients should consult a doctor if they are unwell.
They should follow instructions given by the doctor including the use of drugs as prescribed and taking adequate rest as appropriate.
Adhere to good personal hygiene practices.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Patients should put on masks to reduce the chance of spread of infection to carers.
Carers may also put on masks to reduce the chance of acquiring infection through the airways.
Department of Health
25 March 2003