17 Dec 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 17) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.
The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 52 inmates of a correctional institution in Southern District.
All of the affected are males aged between 27 and 76. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since December 13.
All of them sought medical treatment and one was admitted to hospital. All those affected are in stable condition.
The stool samples of eight affected people were tested positive for norovirus.
Officers of the CHP visited the institution and provided health advice to staff on proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.
The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide further advice if necessary.
A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via contaminated food or water, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.
"Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take 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 hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
* maintain good indoor ventilation;
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.