CHP investigates norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks

4 Jan 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 4) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal, food, and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into gastroenteritis outbreaks affecting 62 residents and staff members of two elderly homes in Tai Po and Kowloon Tong respectively.

The first case, in Tai Po, involved 3 men and 21 women aged between 75 and 98. They developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since December 17, 2009.

All of them had sought medical treatment. Among them, eight required hospitalisation. All affected persons are now in stable condition.

The stool samples of four affected persons were tested positive for norovirus.

The second case, in Kowloon Tong, involved 13 male and 21 female residents aged between 63 and 101, and 4 female staff. They developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 28, 2009.

Four of them required hospitalisation. All are now in stable condition.

The stool samples of seven affected persons were tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institutions and provided health advice 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 situation and provide further health advice where 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.