The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 28) reported an update of its investigation into an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in a primary school in Yau Ma Tei, and again reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene against AGE.

     As of 4pm today, ten additional pupils, including six boys and four girls aged from six to eight, were affected. They have developed fever, vomiting and diarrhoea since November 24. Eight of them sought medical attention while two required hospitalisation and one of them has been discharged after management. All affected pupils are now in stable condition.
 
     The pupil who required hospitalisation reported on November 26 has been discharged upon treatment. So far, the outbreak has affected a total of 31 pupils of the school.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted site visit and provided health advice to the school management concerning proper and thorough disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school 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 and food stalls.

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

Ends/Monday, November 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:38

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