Seasonal flu causes more deaths than 2003 SARS outbreak in HK

The number of people dying of seasonal flu in Hong Kong continued to rise, surpassing the death toll from a SARS outbreak in 2003, the Center for Health Protection said on Sunday.

As of noon, the total number of deaths related to flu stood at 306 adults and one child, with 415 adults and 17 children having required intensive care.

The seasonal flu has stirred worries in Hong Kong, as the epidemic reminded local residents of the SARS outbreak which killed 299 people in 2003.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man said the number of flu cases was decreasing, according the data monitored by the Center of Health Protection, but the figures could be misleading.

"The decrease may be a result of less people visiting a doctor during the Lunar New Year," Ko said on Saturday.

He asked the public not to lower guard against the flu, adding it would take another week or two to determine whether the infection numbers go up again.

The Center of Health Protection urged people to stay vigilant, get vaccinated early, and maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.