Background

* In view of a recent outbreak of febrile respiratory illness among health care staff in Prince of Wales Hospital, the Department of Health is conducting a detailed investigation with the Hospital Authority, the University of Hong Kong 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. The Department is working closely with the WHO on disease control and prevention.

Health Advice

* Public transport operators are advised to take the following precautionary measures on vehicles to prevent respiratory infections:

Maintain good personal hygiene. Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. If necessary, wash hands before touching them.

Consult the doctor promptly and take sick leave if you develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.

* Maintain good ventilation on vehicles:

Open the windows whenever possible to ensure good ventilation.

For closed vehicle compartments, clean the air-conditioning system frequently to maintain good functioning.

* Keep vehicle compartments clean:

Wash / wipe vehicle compartments with diluted domestic bleach (mixing 1 part of bleach with 99 parts of water) regularly.

Make tissue paper available for passengers' use when necessary.

Make vomit bags available for passengers' use.

If vehicle compartments are contaminated with vomitus, wash / wipe with diluted domestic bleach (mixing 1 part of bleach with 49 parts of water) immediately.

* Please advise passengers as follows:

Observe personal hygiene. Cover the nose and mouth with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing or coughing.

Dispose of used tissue paper properly.

Use a vomit bag to hold vomitus and dispose of it properly.

Consult the doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of respiratory tract infection.