A cluster of influenza-like illness infections involving six students at the “Our Lady of Fátima Girls’ School” on Rua da Missão de Fátima (花地瑪教會街) was reported to the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday, with details announced by the bureau in a statement last night.
The statement said that some of the patients, which are from the school’s class P3P who started showing symptoms on Saturday, have sought medical attention, but no complications or severe cases have been found, while conditions have been mild. Among the symptoms noted in the statement are fever, cough and runny nose.
Investigation revealed that four of the six patients have tested positive for the influenza A virus.
The statement said that cleaning and disinfection have been stepped up, and measures for ventilation and isolating those who are ill are being carried out.
The statement listed a raft of recommended measures for protecting oneself, such as getting the annual flu vaccine and recommended COVID-19 shots, as well as maintaining good hygiene practices like handwashing and using tissues for sneezing or coughing. One should also avoid crowded places and seek medical help when feeling unwell or symptoms worsen, the statement added.
*The Influenza A virus is a strain of the flu virus that can infect both humans and animals. It causes respiratory illness and is known for causing seasonal flu outbreaks, according to AI chatbot Poe.
This image downloaded from Wikipedia last night and credited to the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL) shows a transmission electron micrograph of the influenza A virus.
