119 infected with RSV pneumonia in HK
( 2003-10-24 10:54) (People's Daily)
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia broke out in Hong Kong
has not yet been found in Beijing, as is learned from the Beijing Center for
Disease Control and Prevention. To prevent respiratory diseases in autumn and
winter, experts suggested, one should keep warm, drink more water and take in
more vitamin C.
119 people infected in Hong Kong
When Hong Kong is fully braced up for the possible return of SARS and a
predicated upcoming flu peak, RSV pneumonia, a respiratory disease similar with
SARS and flu in infection style and early-stage symptoms, broke out in five
senior people's homes and two infant centers, affecting altogether 119 people in
the past two months, said a local health resource. Among the 44 senior people
infected, 2 with chronic conditions died. But it is not clear weather their
death is directly linked with RSV.
RSV spread through respiratory
secretions
RSV pneumonia is commonly seen in infants and children under 1 year of age,
according to a doctor of the said Center, and two third patients are likely to
suffer 1-4 day high fever, and breath difficulties appear in those severely
affected. RSV is spread from respiratory secretions through close contact with
infected persons or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Infection can
occur when infectious material contacts mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or
nose, and possibly through the inhalation of droplets generated by a sneeze or
cough.
Experts suggest keeping hands
clean
Statistics show that in Beijing 48 percent viral pneumonia and 58 percent
bronchiolitis are caused by syncytial virus, which mainly happen in winter and
spring, with symptoms almost undistinguishable with pneumonia caused by
para-influenza virus or light influenza virus, so diagnosis chiefly depends on
virologic and serum tests. Attention should be paid to regular treatment and
isolation, experts suggested, and not so much treatment of symptoms and
supportive treatment are needed since the disease is generally not serious.
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics is not encouraged.
Experts also warned that the "recipe" of actively preventing respiratory
disease in winter is keeping warm, drinking more water and taking in more
vitamin C. Meanwhile residents should take care of the environmental and
personal hygiene, keep hands clean by washing them in the right way. When sneeze
or cough, one should cover his mouth and nose by hands, dispose the droplets
properly, and then wash his hands. Food utensils should be disinfected after
being used, so as to reduce the chances of transmission.
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