Press Release

Update on viral gastroenteritis outbreaks

November 26, 2003

The Department of Health is closely monitoring the situation of viral gastroenteritis caused by Norwalk-like virus, as Hong Kong enters the high season for the disease.

A department spokesman today (November 26) stressed the importance of personal, food and environmental hygiene in preventing gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutional settings.

He said the department hotline, 2961 8966, had received a total of 298 public requests to date for information on the disease and preventive measures.

As at 3 pm today, a new report of gastroenteritis occurring in institution had been brought to the attention of the department.

The department immediately investigated and put the institution under medical surveillance. The institution was instructed to adopt preventive measures and will carry out proper disinfection according to the department's guidelines.

Details of the new gastroenteritis cases are as follows:

(1) Institution: La Salle Primary School
District: Kowloon City
Total persons affected: 19 students
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea
Laboratory results: Results of stool samples are pending.

Meanwhile, the department had removed Little Flowers School from the list as it has passed the disease surveillance period.

A summary on the latest situation on institutional gastroenteritis outbreaks being investigated by the department is as below: