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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a gastroenteritis outbreak which affected 43 students and one staff of a primary school in South District.
Initial investigations revealed that the sick students and staff, comprised of 27 male and 17 female aged from 8 to 61, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including vomiting, diahorrea and abdominal pain from February 15 to 18.
One of them was admitted to the Hong Kong Sanitorium and Hospital and 14 others consulted doctors. All are in stable condition.
CHP's initial investigations showed that viral gastroenteritis could be the likely cause for the outbreak.
CHP staff visited the school premises today and provided the school management with health advice. Further investigation is in progress.
CHP reminded members of the public to maintain high standards of personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease. They should observe the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomit or faecal matter;
* wear gloves when disposing of vomit and faeces and wash their hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted in a ratio 1 in 49 units of water;
* maintain good indoor ventilation;
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
People suffering from gastroenteritis should refrain from going to work or school in order not to spread the infection.
Information on prevention of gastroenteritis can be obtained from the CHP website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, February 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:58
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