A significant number of flu outbreaks are expected when the new school term begins next week, and the public should also stay vigilant against any possible outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease later this year, warned Hong Kong"e;s Center for Health Protection Controller in a recent interview.

Hong Kong remains in the summer influenza peak season, and the center has recorded at least 300 isolates of flu virus a week showing the viruses are quite active in the community, Thomas Tsang told the media on Friday.

He also expected the number of hand, foot and mouth disease cases will rise next month with the peak season starting in October or November.

He urged schools, institutions and parents to stay alert and take precautions to prevent outbreak. Schools and institutions should report outbreaks immediately to the center.

Source: Xinhua