24 Dec 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 24) 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 into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 17 residents and three staff members in a residential care home for the elderly in Sha Tin.
The affected group, two men and 18 women, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since December 18.
Fourteen of them had sought medical treatment. Among them, two required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.
The stool samples of three affected persons were tested positive for norovirus.
Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.
The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when 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.