The Centre for Heath Protection has called for vigilance against Respiratory Syncytial Virus-caused respiratory tract infection which usually starts to increase between March and April and lasts until August.

The public, particularly parents and management of schools and institutions, should take stringent infection- control measures.

In the week ending March 22, there were 60 viral detections while the baseline respiratory syncytial virus detection is less than 20 per week.

The centre received two virus outbreaks reports so far this year. There were 13 outbreaks in 2006 and and 30 in 2007. The situation this year is similar to previous ones.

The virus is a common cause of respiratory tract infection. It usually affects old people and young children aged five or below. People should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection.

The disease is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among people in institutional settings. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite. Click here for more health tips.