Hong Kong Flu Outbreak

Hong Kong flu outbreak prompts Chinese officials to close primary schools and day care centers around the city.

Hong Kong reported more than 800 cases of flu over the past week while the Department of Health of Hong Kong reported outbreaks involving 305 people at 49 schools.

The outbreak prompted an investigation by an appointed advisory panel. Health officials confirmed the untimely death of two children that contracted a common flu strain and another child's death is still under investigation.

The confirmation came as health officials considered offering children under 12 free flu vaccination in a move which would cost 12.8 million dollars, or 100 million Hong Kong dollars.

"I think this year we probably have a little bit more seasonal flu, perhaps more widespread," Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung, a Hong Kong University professor who heads the panel said. "But it's not more virulent."

The flu episode is a grim reminder to many Hong Kong residents of the SARS outbreak of 2003 which killed 299 and infected 1,755 people.