The Centre for Health Protection is liaising closely with the Hospital Authority in the investigation of an outbreak of respiratory tract infection involving 19 children in Caritas Medical Centre.

The 12 boys and seven girls, aged four to 16, developed fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection. They were staying in two wards providing long-term residential care for severely mentally handicapped children.

An 11-year-old girl in the ward, who had chronic medical problems, died of a chest infection on November 9.

On receiving the report last night, the centre liaised with the hospital management to conduct an immediate investigation and put all exposed patients and staff under medical surveillance.

Advice was given on the cohorting of exposed patients, suspension of new admissions, and restriction of visitor entry until the end of the surveillance period. In collaboration with the hospital, the centre is also following up on visitors to the affected children, providing health advice and medical surveillance.