The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 16) reported a further update on its investigation into an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in a primary school in Tseung Kwan O announced on May 14.

     According to the latest information provided by the school, the CHP retrospectively identified 31 additional affected pupils, comprising 18 boys and 13 girls aged 7 to 13, bringing the cumulative total to 159 pupils and six staff members. Among them, 100 have sought medical attention and four required hospitalisation. All affected persons have been in stable condition.

     A stool specimen has been collected from an earlier hospitalised pupil (discharged today) for laboratory testing with results pending.

     "Based on the symptomatology of the affected persons, the pattern of the outbreak and the several vomiting episodes in common areas of the campus and school buses on May 10, 12 and 13, we consider the outbreak likely to be viral gastroenteritis. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "The majority of the cases had onset before the school implemented thorough infection control measures on campus and in school buses daily since May 14. The outbreak peaked on May 13 when most cases started to develop symptoms, and a decreasing trend was observed thereafter. We are working closely with the school to collect, verify and analyse information on the outbreak for epidemiological investigations," the spokesman said.

     Officers of the CHP again reminded the school management to adopt preventive measures against gastroenteritis. Medical surveillance on the school is continuing.

     Members of the public should 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, May 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:53

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