The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed that three students suffering from an outbreak of a flu-like illness at Sham Shui Po's Caritas Lok Yan School have only a common cold virus.

The two boys and a girl, aged 8 to 15, developed fever, a cough and sore throat. Their onset dates were January 19, 24, and 25. All are in stable condition.

They are residents of the Developmental Disability Unit, providing long term residential care for severely mentally handicapped children.

Four staff have had fever and mild upper respiratory symptoms. They have taken sick leave and none required hospitalisation. The school was closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection.