Press Release

Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at outdoor activities centre under CHP investigation

6 January 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 6) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) at an outdoor activities centre on Lamma Island which affected 16 participants and four staff, and hence appealed to the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

The affected persons, comprising 12 males and eight females aged from 8 to 35, have presented with fever, vomiting and diarrhoea since December 30, 2013. Seven of them sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. All the affected persons are currently in a stable condition.

Investigations by the CHP are continuing.

Officers of the CHP have provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and personal and environmental hygiene. The centre 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;
• 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 ( www.chp.gov.hk ) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information on AGE.