The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 19) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in a kindergarten in Wong Tai Sin, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

     The outbreak involves 41 pupils, comprising 16 boys and 25 girls aged 3 to 5, as well as three female staff members aged 43 to 56. They have developed vomiting and diarrhoea since December 16. Among them, 21 sought medical attention and one of them has been discharged upon hospitalisation and management. All affected persons have been in stable condition.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the kindergarten concerning proper and thorough disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The kindergarten has been put under medical surveillance.

     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
 

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
• Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Pay attention to food hygiene;
• Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
• Drink boiled water; and
• Do not patronise unlicensed food premises and food stalls.

     The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information.

Ends/Monday, December 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:00

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