CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in special school in Sham Shui Po
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The outbreak involves 13 students, comprising 10 males and three females aged 6 to 22, as well as seven staff members aged 27 to 59. They have developed vomiting and diarrhoea since January 12. Among them, 15 sought medical attention and three of them have been discharged upon hospitalisation and management. All affected persons have been in stable condition.
The stool specimen of one affected student tested positive for norovirus upon laboratory testing by Princess Margaret Hospital.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the school concerning proper and thorough disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school 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/Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:33
Issued at HKT 18:33
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