**********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has observed a prolonged norovirus season this year and has reminding people and management of institutions to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent the intestinal virus infection.
The appeal was made in view of the increased number of outbreaks of noroviral gastroenteritis occurring in elderly homes and hospitals in the last two months.
Since May, there have already been 35 confirmed norovirus outbreaks in elderly homes and seven in hospitals affecting a total of 565 people. These compared with 17 and seven outbreaks in elderly homes and hospitals respectively and 260 people in the first four months of this year.
A total of 74 cases of noroviral gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutions, including child care centres and schools, involving 999 people have been reported so far this year. In 2005, there were 42 norovirus outbreaks in institutions, affecting 643 people.
䩕Gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus is commonly found in Hong Kong all year round but is more active in the winter months,蒅 Principal Medical and Health Officer of the CHP, Dr SK Chuang said.
䩕However, we have observed a prolonged norovirus season this year, with residential care homes for the elderly(RCHEs) particularly affected,蒅 she said.
The department is working closely with the Social Welfare Department and the Hospital Authority to monitor the situation.
The managements of the elderly homes are reminded to follow preventive measures and carry out proper disinfection according to guidelines given. They are also reminded to watch out for symptoms or viral gastroenteritis and report any suspected cases to the CHP.
The CHP regularly issues Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases to elderly homes, child care centres, kindergartens, schools and other institutions.
䩕Following the recent outbreaks, we have sent letters to all RCHEs to alert them about the recent increase in norovirus outbreaks among them, and to report suspected outbreaks to the CHP,蒅 Dr Chuang added.
The Elderly Health Service of DH has also strengthened health education to RCHE staff, with the emphasis on measures to prevent transmission of norovirus.
The CHP﷿s Infection Control Branch will also arrange health talks to the staff of RCHEs.
Dr Chuang 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.
䩕Proper management and adequate disinfection of vomitus and faeces matter is of crucial importance in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease,蒅 she said.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, people should observe the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal 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 the department﷿s website (http://www.dh.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:45
NNNN