Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak(s), with new 2006-08 recombinant strain detection (since 10/28/09 to date)

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Prince of Wales Hospital update on Norovirus cases in neurosurgical ward (12/12/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a neurosurgical ward of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in which some patients and staff members had presented with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms, a hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 12):

One more male patient aged 53 in the ward has presented with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms. He is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. Appropriate tests are being carried out. Visiting arrangement to the ward concerned has been suspended and measures to restrict admission and discharge activities have been implemented. Infection control measures have also been stepped up and all patients are under close surveillance.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong PRC SAR: Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, Situation Updates (Since Sep. 26, 2009)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating acute gastroenteritis outbreak at kindergarten (12/14/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 14) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal was made following CHP's investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 20 students of a kindergarten cum child care centre in Kwun Tong.

The affected, comprising 14 boys and six girls aged between 2 and 5, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 7.

Six of them have sought medical consultation. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.

Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

CHP will closely monitor the school and provide further health advice when necessary.

To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.

People can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong PRC SAR: Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, Situation Updates (Since Sep. 26, 2009)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (12/14/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 14) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe personal, food, and environmental hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 16 residents and five staff members of an elderly home in Kwun Tong.

All affected are female aged between 39 and 99. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since December 5. Eighteen of them had sought medical treatment. Three of them were admitted to hospital. All those affected are in stable condition.

The stool samples of two affected residents were tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the elderly home and provided health advice to staff on proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide further advice if necessary.

A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via contaminated food or water, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.

"Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.

To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
* maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating acute gastroenteritis outbreak at school (12/17/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 17) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 61 students and two staff members in a primary school in Kowloon City. The affected, 46 males and 17 females, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 6. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.

Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health instructions to staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene. Investigation continues.

The CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.

To prevent gastroenteritis, people are advised to -

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.

People can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (12/17/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 17) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 52 inmates of a correctional institution in Southern District. All of the affected are males aged between 27 and 76. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since Sunday (December 13). All of them sought medical treatment and one was admitted to hospital. All those affected are in stable condition. The stool samples of eight affected people tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP visited the institution and provided health advice to staff on proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide further advice if necessary. A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via contaminated food or water, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.

"Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.

To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:

• wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
• wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;
• clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
• maintain good indoor ventilation;
• make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Cluster of Norovirus cases in female psychogeriatric ward of Castle Peak Hospital (12/23/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

A spokesperson of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) made the following announcement today (December 23):

Five patients (aged from 69 to 84) in a female psychogeriatric ward of CPH had presented with diarrhoea symptoms since December 20.

Appropriate tests had been arranged for the patients.

All test results of the five patients were positive to norovirus.

The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition.

Admission to the ward has been suspended.

Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed.

Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak (12/24/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 24) reminded people and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal was made following CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 17 residents and three staff members in a residential care home for the elderly in Sha Tin.

The affected group, two men and 18 women, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since December 18. Fourteen of them had sought medical treatment and two required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition.

The stool samples of three affected people were tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health instructions to staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.

A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via contaminated food or water, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.

"Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.

To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:
*wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
*wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;
*clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
*maintain good indoor ventilation;
*make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Cluster of Norovirus cases in male medical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (12/24/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (December 24):

A total of five patients (aged 61 to 88) of a male medical ward of QEH had presented with diarrhea symptoms since December 21. The test results of all the patients concerned were positive to Norovirus. They are being treated under isolation and all in stable condition.

Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a female psychogeriatric ward of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) in which some patients had presented with diarrhea symptoms, the hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 24):

Two more patients (aged 68 and 79) in the ward had presented with diarrhea symptoms. Appropriate tests had been arranged for the patients. The test results of the two patients were positive to Norovirus. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Update on cluster of Norovirus cases in female psychogeriatric ward of CPH (12/25/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a female psychogeriatric ward of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) in which some patients had presented with diarrhea symptoms, the hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 25):

Three more patients (aged 70-83) in the ward had presented with diarrhea symptoms. Appropriate tests had been arranged for the patients. The test results of the two patients were positive to Norovirus. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Update on cluster of Norovirus cases in female psychogeriatric ward of Castle Peak Hospital (12/27/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a female psychogeriatric ward of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) in which some patients had presented with diarrhea symptoms, the hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 27):

Two more patients (aged 69 and 75) in the ward had presented with diarrhea symptoms. Appropriate tests had been arranged for the patients. The test results of one patient were positive to Norovirus. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Update on cluster of Norovirus cases in male medical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (12/28/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a male medical ward of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in which five patients had confirmed Norovirus infection, a hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 28):

Five more patients (aged 46-78) in the ward presented with diarrhoea symptoms. The test results of all the patients were positive to Norovirus. They are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: CHP investigating norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in elderly homes (12/28/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 28) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into two gastroenteritis outbreaks affecting 54 residents and staff members of two elderly homes in Tuen Mun and Wong Tai Sin.

The first case, in Tuen Mun, involved 25 residents aged between 72 and 98 and four staff members aged between 52 and 59. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 18. Three of them were hospitalised and are currently in stable condition. The stool samples of three affected people were tested positive for norovirus.

The second case, in Wong Tai Sin, affected 16 female residents aged between 76 and 97, and nine female staff aged between 35 and 54. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 21. Two of them were hospitalised and are now in stable condition. The stool sample of one affected person was tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institutions and provided health advice to staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.

The CHP will closely monitor the institutions and provide further health advice when necessary.

A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via contaminated food or water, contact with vomitus or faeces or any objects contaminated by the virus.

"Proper disposal of vomitus and faecal matter and adequate disinfection of the environment are very important in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease," he said.

To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:
*wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
*wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;
*clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
*maintain good indoor ventilation;
*make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: Public reminded to prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection (12/29/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 29) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infection caused by E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.

The appeal came after the confirmation by laboratory test today of a case involving a 2-year-old boy living in Kowloon City. This is the second case of E. Coli O157:H7 infection reported to the CHP this year.

CHP's investigation revealed that the child developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea on December 19 and was admitted to hospital the same day. He was discharged the next day and is now in stable condition. His stool specimen grew toxin-producing E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria and was also tested positive to Norovirus.

The child had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts did not show any symptoms of intestinal infection. CHP's investigation continues.

A CHP spokesman said that in general, E. coli O157:H7 could be contracted through consumption of undercooked contaminated food (especially minced beef and hamburgers, etc.) or contaminated water, or transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route.

"However, the bacteria can be killed at a cooking temperature of around 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes," he said.

"People are advised to cook food thoroughly. The core temperature of food should reach 75 degrees Celsius for two to three minutes."

"People should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to avoid person-to-person transmission of the bacteria through faecal-oral route. They are advised to wash hands thoroughly particularly before handling food; before eating; after visiting toilet and after changing diapers for their babies," the spokesman said.

There was one case of E. coli 0157:H7 infection in 2007 and and two cases in 2008.

People may visit the CHP website http://www.chp.gov.hk to obtain more information on the disease.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (10/28/09)

Hong Kong: TKO Press Release on GE Outbreak in a Male Ward (1/2/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) made the following announcement today (January 2):

Six patients (aged from 50 to 91) in a male medical ward had presented with diarrhea or vomiting symptoms since December 26, 2009.

Appropriate tests had been arranged.

The test result of one patient was positive to Norovirus while the result of another patient was found negative. Test results of the rest are still pending.

The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition.

Admission to the ward has been suspended.

Restricted visiting to and discharge from the ward is imposed.

Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up.

All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
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