The Centre for Health Protection today urged people to stay vigilant against influenza, as the latest surveillance data shows local seasonal flu activity has been increasing markedly in the past two weeks and has reached a very high level.
The percentage of positive respiratory specimens received by the centre increased from 31.48% to 35.66% from the week of June 25 to that of July 2.
The number of flu-like outbreaks in institutions also increased, from 30 in the week of June 18 to a range of 41 to 44 per week in the past three weeks.
Regarding severe cases, 270 adult cases of influenza-associated admission to intensive-care units or death (including 183 deaths) were recorded with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals from May 5 to yesterday.
The centre foresees flu activity remaining at a high level in the coming weeks.
It urged the public, particularly children, the elderly and chronic disease patients, to observe strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene to guard against seasonal influenza.
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