CHP investigating norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in elderly home

8 Jan 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 8) 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 a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 16 residents and five staff members of an elderly home in Southern District.

A total of 4 males and 17 females aged between 30 and 97 were affected. They developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 31. Among them, two residents required hospitalization; all the affected are currently in stable condition.

The stool sample of one hospitalized resident was tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health advice to staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

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.