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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 21) reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene in view of the detection so far this month of seven institutional outbreaks of noroviral gastroenteritis.
A CHP spokesman said six out of the seven cases occurred in elderly homes affecting a total of 30 people. There were five and one norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in November and October respectively.
"Although CHP's surveillance system did not detect any recent sign of an upsurge of acute diarrhoea at institutions, strict hygiene measures should be maintained to prevent infection as gastroenteritis caused by norovirus was more active in the winter months.
"Before the approaching of the usual peak season of norovirus activity, CHP issued letters to management of elderly homes, child care centres, schools, public and private hospitals in November, reminding them to strengthen preventive measures against the disease," the spokesman said.
He said that 93 noroviral gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutions, including child care centres and schools, involving 921 people had been reported so far this year. In 2006, there were 269 norovirus outbreaks in institutions, affecting 3,250 people.
The spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via food or water contaminated with the virus, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.
"Proper management and adequate disinfection of vomitus and faeces matter is of crucial importance in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should observe the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faeces matter;
* wear gloves when disposing of vomitus and faeces and wash their hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio 1:50 (by adding 1 part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
* maintain good indoor ventilation;
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
People can obtain more information on the prevention of viral gastroenteritis from CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, December 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:31
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