5 Jun 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health advised a primary school to suspend classes from tomorrow (June 6) to next Tuesday (June 9) after receiving report of a gastroenteritis outbreak involving 41 students and a staff member of the school today (June 5).
The school concerned is "Kowloon Junior School" in Ho Man Tin. Investigation by the CHP revealed that 41 students, comprising 21 boys and 20 girls aged between 5 and 6, and a female staff member had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhea, vomiting and fever since June 3.
Thirty of them sought medical attention. Two of the affected girls were admitted to private hospitals. They are in stable condition.
The spokesman said that the CHP advised the school to suspend classes for thorough cleansing and disinfection.
"This is a precautionary measure to prevent further spreading of disease in the school. The CHP is closely monitoring the health condition of the students.
"We have conducted a field visit to the school and provided advice on infection control measures to the staff. The CHP will continue to monitor the situation" the spokesman said.
The school management will notify parents of the class suspension arrangements. Parents are advised to pay attention to the health condition of their children, and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
To prevent gastroenteritis, people are advised to-
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (
http://www.chp.gov.hk
) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.