Hong Kong's Center 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 Center, according to a Friday's government press release.

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 Nov. 9.

On receiving the report Thursday night, the center 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 center is also following up on visitors to the affected children, providing health advice and medical surveillance.

Laboratory tests are being conducted to identify the cause of the outbreak.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 13, 2004)