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Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with Norovirus

17 November 2003

Dear Doctor,

Recently there has been an increase in institutional outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis (GE) caused by Norovirus (or Norwalk-like virus). Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis in Hong Kong. It tends to be more active towards winter months. Outbreaks in institutions are not uncommonly seen: in 2001, there were 39 outbreaks involving 678 persons; in 2002, there were 39 outbreaks involving 892 persons; and in 2003, from January to October, there were 36 outbreaks involving 731 persons.

During 1-17 November, there were four laboratory-confirmed Norovirus associated outbreaks occuring in institutional settings, such as school, child care centre and home for mentally handicapped children.

Besides conducting epidemiological investigations and implementing control measures, DH has issued letters to schools, kindergartens, child care centers and elderly homes alerting them of the coming high season for Norovirus and take appropriate measures.

Norovirus has high infectivity and can cause secondary spread among household members in a family. To prevent Norovirus-associated viral gastroenteritis, please kindly advise your patients to observe strict personal, food and environmental hygiene with particular attention on handling of vomitus and faecal matter by the following measures:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after going to toilets and handling vomitus or faecal matter.
  • Wear gloves while disposing of vomitus and faeces, and wash hands afterwards.
  • Clean and disinfect soiled linens, clothes and surfaces promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (1:49).
  • Staff and school children developing vomiting or diarrhoea should refrain from work or school, and seek medical advice.

Please refer to the enclosed fact sheet on Norovirus for your reference. Information is also available at the website of Department of Health (DH) at http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/33.html .

If you encounter increase in number of clients with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis coming from the same institution, please inform us as early as possible at the following telephone and facsimile numbers. The DH will start our epidemiological investigations and take appropriate control measures. The sick staff or children should be advised to take sick leave from school until recovery.

11 Jan 2013