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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 13) 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 outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at an elderly home in Tsuen Wan involving 19 residents and two staff members.
The affected residents, aged 71 to 98 and comprising five males and 14 females, together with two female staff members presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting, fever and diarrhoea, since August 4.
Three of the affected residents were admitted to Yan Chai Hospital. All the 21 affected people are in stable condition.
Test results of the stool specimen of one hospitalised patient are pending. Investigation is continuing.
Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
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/Monday, August 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:59
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