Health Bureau warns citizens about post-CNY flu outbreak

The Health Bureau (SSM) has acknowledged that the current outbreak of influenza, or ‘flu’, is beginning to decline, but warned that there are still several cases of the disease and that a new outbreak might arise when schools reopen next week.

The SSM is calling on schools and residents to take preventative measures and to closely follow the guidelines issued together with the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ); such as maintaining good environmental hygiene and air ventilation, and to temporarily suspend teachers and students suspected of carrying the virus.
These preventative measures are intended to “[reduce] the risk of spreading influenza in schools,” as these institutions topped the list of venues responsible for the first outbreak of the disease in the region.

According to the SSM, 38 adults and 73 children were admitted to the Conde de São Januário Hospital Center (CHCSJ) for the flu between February 18 and 20. These numbers confirm the continued existence of an influenza outbreak, albeit with fewer cases compared to previous days.
The SSM also noted that the waiting time at the hospital’s Emergency Service was reduced to one hour, while the bed occupancy rate is 90 percent. Privately owned Kiang Wu Hospital recorded a bed occupancy rate of approximately 70 percent which, according to the SSM, is “reaching a normal level.”

The SSM also noted that of the 42 flu cases recorded between January 1 and February 21 – which included other complications such as pneumonia – about 80 percent were people who had not been vaccinated against influenza.

In eight of these cases, there was no need for hospitalization. 24 patients who were hospitalized have already been discharged. Two people died from complications. Another eight people are still in hospital, two of whom are in critical condition.