2 Mar 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 2) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 20 pupils of a kindergarten in Central.
The affected were all females aged between three and four. They developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever, since February 25.
Fourteen of them had sought medical treatment while four others were admitted to private hospitals. Three of the hospitalized children have been discharged. All of the affected are in stable condition.
Stool sample of one of the hospitalized children yielded positive result for norovirus.
Officers of the CHP had conducted site visit to the kindergarten and provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.
CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.
The spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via food or water contaminated with the virus, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.
"Proper management and adequate disinfection of vomitus and faecal matter is of crucial importance in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should observe the following precautions:
- wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
- wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash their hands afterwards;
- clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1 : 50 (by adding 1 part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
- maintain good indoor ventilation;
- make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of viral gastroenteritis from the CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.