Schools and kindergartens must report to health departments within 24 hours upon detection of an epidemic of an infectious disease, the Ministry of Health has announced.

 

Principals and heads of kindergartens are the first people held responsible for reporting epidemics and public health incidents, according to the ministry.

 

Schools and kindergartens must conduct morning checkups of students and register and monitor absent pupils.

 

Three cases in one day or more than five cases in three consecutive days with similar symptoms in one class or dormitory must be reported within 24 hours, according to the regulation.

 

A timely report of infectious cases or suspected infectious cases must be given to local health departments as well.

 

Students who have high fevers with unknown causes, respiratory problems, severe vomiting or diarrhoea must also be reported within 24 hours.

 

A total of 20,229 cases of flu were reported to the Ministry of Public Health in the first quarter, with most outbreaks occurring in middle and elementary schools, according to the latest official epidemic report.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2006)