Search This Blog

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hong Kong : Increase in respiratory viral infections cautioned

Press release from Hong Kong's CHP :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health called on the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent respiratory tract infection and seasonal influenza infection. The appeal followed the CHP's latest surveillance data showing an increase in the activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal influenza in recent weeks.

The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP has reported increases in the amount of influenza and RSV detections recently. A total of 102 influenza detections were recorded last week (ending July 13) compared with 75 to 84 in the preceding three weeks. The circulating influenza viruses detected in the week ending July 13 were influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus (50 per cent), influenza A (H3N2) (47 per cent) and influenza B (3 per cent). The CHP also recorded five influenza-like illness outbreaks occurring in institutions and schools in the week ending July 13.

The weekly number of RSV detections recorded in the week ending July 13 was 91, compared with 64 to 70 in the preceding three weeks. One outbreak related to RSV infection was reported in week ending July 13.

In Hong Kong, the seasonal influenza activity usually exhibits two peaks, occurring between January and March, and July to August."

No comments:

Post a Comment