The Centre for Health Protection is investigating an outbreak of respiratory tract infection affecting 17 children and four staff members of a Ma On Shan nursery school.

The nine males and 12 females, aged two to 58, came down with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat from July 9 to 13. Two children were hospitalised in stable condition, and one tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

The centre has visited and given health instructions to the school management.

The virus is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings. The incubation period is one to 10 days, usually five to seven. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache and decreased appetite.

People should take measures to guard against respiratory tract infection caused by the virus.