The Centre for Health Protection has urged people to guard against respiratory infection amid a recent rise in respiratory syncytial virus cases.

In the week ending June 28 there were 54 viral detections by the Public Health Laboratory Centre. The baseline detection is less than 20 per week.

There have been 13 outbreaks this year affecting 214 people. There were 30 outbreaks involving 319 people last year and 13 outbreaks affecting 185 in 2006.

The virus is a common cause of respiratory tract infection usually affecting the elderly and toddlers. The peak season in Hong Kong is usually March to August.

The disease is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among people in institutional settings. Parents and management of schools and institutions should take stringent infection control measures.