The Department of Health received more than 10 reports of influenza outbreaks in residential care homes in August, the department's consultant Dr Tse Lai-yin says, adding that the public should adopt good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease.

Speaking on a radio programme this morning, Dr Tse said there are two influenza peak seasons each year, one from January to March, and the other from June to July.

She said since 1998, the department has been implementing an annual influenza vaccination programme for the elderly in residential care homes. More than 80% of these seniors have been covered by the programme.

This year, the programme will be expanded to cover long-stay residents of institutions for the mentally and physically disabled.

Dr Tse said although the SARS outbreak is over, the public should remain viligant against the disease.

Since the new school term will begin next week, she urged schools, parents and students to continue implementing the precautionary measures to prevent the possible return of SARS.

On the public health front, she said the department will continue its surveillance measures at the checkpoints and will also enhance its communication with the Hospital Authority.

Meanwhile, the department has reported 35 imported cases of Dengue fever in the first eight months this year, compared with only 10 cases in the same period last year.

Noting that the situation is serious, Dr Tse urged people to take the measures to prevent mosquito bites and to seek medical treatment if they develop fever, headache, joint pain and a rash within 14 days after visiting southeast Asian countries.