Citizens wear masks for protection from the flu-like virus
Hong Kong schools shut down due to flu deaths
By Olivia and Rachel
A flu-like attack has caused Hong Kong schools to close, after 3 children died. At least 200 students have been affected with symptoms of the virus.
The decision to close the schools was made after seven year old Law Ho-Ming who was taken to hospital in a semi-conscious state caused by a fever and unfortunately died on Tuesday from encephalitis - swelling of the brain. After Law Ho-Ming’s death two more followed.
The closure of the schools has affected half a million students. Its the first ever caused by an illness since 2003 when almost 300 people died from SARS also known, as severe acute respiratory syndrome is a respiratory disease in humans.
Kindergarten and Junior schools have been shut down and will stay closed for two weeks to allow the schools to be disinfected. Currently experts are looking into the virus and checking whether this disease poses a bigger threat to the rest of Hong Kong.
Records show that 25 other schools, a hospital ward and a disabled residential home are suffering with the outbreaks of flu.
The Chinese government have set up an expert team, which is led by University of Hong Kong microbiologists who are working to identify the illnesses in question and consider the risks.
A scientist has said it is too soon to tell whether the current outbreak of flu is dangerous or not.
Pat Yuen, a citizen of China “I have a family in Shenzhen and my kid travels to HK for school everyday. I just called them and heard they do not have to attend school for two weeks. He was told to wear mask outside and not to play with other kids.”
Hong Kong's recent history of dangerous disease outbreaks is feeding fears now, but the scientists insist evidence to support those fears does not yet exist.
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