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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 6) 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 acute gastroenteritis outbreak at a kindergarten cum child care centre in Yuen Long District involving 19 pupils aged between 3 and 5 and four staff members aged between 29 and 47.
Those affected, comprising eight males and 15 females, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, since September 3.
Twenty-one of them sought medical attention. No hospitalisation was required. All the affected are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The investigation is ongoing. The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
* 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.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, September 6, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:31
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