Press Release

CHP investigates acute gastroenteritis outbreak at RCHE

23 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 23) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in To Kwa Wan involving 21 residents.

The affected residents, comprising seven males and 14 females aged between 76 and 102, have presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since February 9.

All of the affected residents sought medical consultation and 10 of them required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.

The stool specimens of two affected residents tested positive for rotavirus in testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

The CHP's investigations are continuing.

Officers of the CHP have visited the RCHE and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The RCHE is now under medical surveillance.

A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against AGE:

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet;
• Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water);
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Pay attention to food hygiene;
• Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
• Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
• Drink boiled water; and
• Do not patronise unlicensed food premises and food stalls.

The public may visit the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information on AGE.