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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 23) urged people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene following confirmation of an outbreak of bacillary dysentery, an intestinal infection caused by bacteria.
Results from specimens collected from seven residents and one staff member of a hostel in Southern District were tested positive for Shigella sonnei, the bacteria causing bacillary dysentery, a CHP spokesman said.
The eight people - six males and two females - are aged between 21 and 41 years. Three of them developed gastrointestinal symptoms from October 6 to 15 while the other five, although asymptomatic, had their specimens tested positive. Five other residents and one staff member of the hostel also developed gastrointestinal symptoms since October 6 while laboratory results were pending.
Currently, five residents are in Queen Mary Hospital, one in Princess Margaret Hospital and one in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals. Another patient had been admitted to Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals before and has now been discharged. Four consulted a private medical practitioner but were not required to be admitted. All of them are in stable condition.
As the investigation proceeds, it was possible that more cases will be identified, the spokesman said.
The hostel has been advised to step up infection control measures, suspend common activities and close for visiting. CHP is putting residents and staff of the hostel under medical surveillance.
Bacillary dysentery (BD) is an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria which can be found in human gut. The illness is characterised by sudden onset of fever, diarrhoea with abdominal cramps and nausea or vomiting. The stool may contain blood and mucus. The incubation period usually lasts for one to three days, but can be up to seven days.
Bacillary dysentery is transmitted directly by faecal material of a patient/carrier or indirectly through contaminated food and water. Infection may occur after consuming a small number of the germs. Therefore, chance of spread among household members or in institutions can be very high. It occurs more commonly amongst young children.
The Department of Health received 390 bacillary dysentery cases in 2001, 284 cases in 2002, 116 cases in 2003, 136 cases in 2004 and 129 in 2005. From January to September, 2006, 88 cases of BD were reported.
People are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent bacillary dysentery.
* Wash hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food, and after toilet or changing diapers.
* Drinking water should be from the mains and preferably boiled.
* Purchase fresh food from reliable sources. Do not patronise illegal hawkers.
* Avoid high-risk food like shellfish, raw food or semi-cooked food.
Ends/Monday, October 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:18
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