CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at elderly home in Tsing Yi
******************************************************************************
The outbreak involves 18 residents, comprising six males and 12 females, aged 66 to 104 years, and three staff members. They developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever since March 5. Thirteen of them sought medical attention and four required hospitalisation. All patients are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the elderly home concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The elderly home has been put under medical surveillance.
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 or food stalls.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.
Ends/Friday, March 17, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
NNNN