8 Aug 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an acute gastroenteritis outbreak involving 22 people who traveled to the Mainland last month.
Initial investigations revealed that the affected people, comprising seven men and 15 women aged between 15 to 46, were members of a tour group of 33 people traveling to Gansu Province between July 21 and 28.
They developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis including diarrhea, vomiting and fever since July 22. Nineteen of the affected sought medical attention in the Mainland. Of the 19, six also sought medical consultation after returning to Hong Kong. They are all in stable condition and none of the affected required hospitalisation.
Laboratory analysis on a stool sample taken from one of the patients who had attended North District Hospital was positive for Shigella flexneri, a type of bacteria that causes bacillary dysentery. Further investigation is on-going.
To prevent contracting gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to -
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating 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.