Hong Kong Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received four reports of outbreaks of influenza-like illness on Tuesday, said a government press release.

According to the press release from the Information Services Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, the four cases involve three primary schools and one kindergarten/ child care center, affecting a total of 18 students.

A CHP spokesman said that influenza-like illness may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's officials have visited all the institutions and provided health advice to the staff accordingly.

No report was received on Tuesday under the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by CHP with private and public hospitals.

The spokesman urged members of the public to stay alert by taking precautionary measures against influenza.

On the night of March 12, Hong Kong government announced the closure of all primary schools, special schools and kindergartens in the city for two weeks due to seasonal flu outbreaks.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2008)