11 Dec 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 11) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 50 students of a secondary school in Tseung Kwan O.
The affected, comprising 26 boys and 24 girls aged between 12 and 15, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 9.
No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.
Investigation is ongoing. CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public 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.