Public hospitals are on alert for a possible influenza outbreak, as an epidemic sweeps North America and Europe.
Hospital Authority deputy director Dr Ko Wing-man said there had been a slight increase in the number of patients suffering flu.
'We have not noted any unusual trend so far but we are closely monitoring the situation,' he said.
Dr Ko said each country had its own factors leading to influenza outbreaks.
'Those factors may not exist here and we need not worry too much.' The Department of Health found the incidence of influenza-like illnesses at government outpatients' clinics had risen from 5.1 to 9.4 for every 1,000 consultations earlier this month.
The ratio at 26 private clinics also rose from 50 to 52.4 for every 1,000 consultations.
