Press Release

Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in kindergarten under CHP investigation

7 November 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 7) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in a kindergarten in North District affecting 19 pupils and one member of staff, and hence appealed to the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

The affected pupils, 10 boys and nine girls aged 3 to 5, and a female staff member aged 26, have presented with AGE symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, since October 26. Fourteen of them subsequently sought medical consultation and one required hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.

Investigations by the CHP are continuing.

Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the kindergarten concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school has been put 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 faeces, and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water);
• Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.

The public may visit the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk ) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information on AGE.