This May 27, 2020 photo shows Hong Kong's middle school students cleaning their hands with sanitizers as they return to their classes after a four-month class suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s health authorities on Friday urged the public, especially the stakeholders of schools including school management, students, and parents, to maintain personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent tuberculosis (TB) infections.

The Department of Health received 1,617 notifications of TB cases in the first six months of this year, including 48 cases aged 3 to 24 (usual school age), which account for 2.97 percent of the total notified cases during the period, according to the Tuberculosis and Chest Service of the Centre for Health Protection.

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The proportion of TB cases for the age group in the first half of 2021 and 2022 were 4.07 percent and 3.74 percent respectively, the CHP added in a tuberculosis notification.

While the TB notification rate in Hong Kong has shown a consistent decrease in the past few decades, TB remains a relatively common disease in Hong Kong.

Spokesman, Department of Health

For TB – an airborne disease – in the school setting in Hong Kong, no TB clusters however were found from January to June 2023, it added.

“While the TB notification rate in Hong Kong has shown a consistent decrease in the past few decades, TB remains a relatively common disease in Hong Kong,” said a Department of Health spokesman.

Pointing out that early identification of TB cases and prompt initiation of anti-TB treatment remain the mainstay of TB control, the spokesman said the DH has promoted awareness of TB and its prevention in schools, the community, and the healthcare sector in order to facilitate early identification, diagnosis and effective control of the disease at its source.

When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli are generated and spread in the air. If another person breathes in these small airborne droplets, he or she may be infected with the germ. Prolonged exposure however is usually the most important condition for the disease to be effectively transmitted, according to the notification.

If symptoms develop, such as persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever, and night sweating, they should seek prompt medical advice. 

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People have been urged to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and have suitable exercise and adequate rest.