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

[Giuseppe]

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

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

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 24 residents and five staff members of an elderly home in Tsuen Wan.

The affected people, eight males and 21 females, were aged between 22 and 96.

They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since October 17.

Sixteen of them had sought medical treatment.

Two were admitted to Yan Chai Hospital and one was already discharged.

All those affected are in stable condition.

Stool sample of one of the affected residents was tested positive to norovirus.

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

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

A CHP spokesman said norovirus infection could be transmitted via food or water contaminated with the virus, 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 of crucial importance 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 1 part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
• maintain good indoor ventilation;
• make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

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

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Wong Tai Sin Hospital Norovirus Outbreak update (11/7/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a Rehabilitation and Extended Care ward in Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) in which there were 4 female patients and 1 staff member with diarrhea, vomiting and fever symptoms, the hospital announced the following update today (November 7):

There is one more female patient (95-year-old) in the ward presented with vomiting symptom.

The patient is being treated under isolation and in stable condition.

Appropriate test is being carried out and the result is pending.

So far there are a total of 5 patients and one staff member presented with similar symptoms.

Test results of 2 patients were positive to Norovirus.

Infection control measures have already been enhanced.

Admission to and discharge from the ward are suspended for the time being, while visiting arrangements remain normal.

All patients and staff 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.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating acute gastroenteritis outbreak at elderly home (11/19/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 19) 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 17 residents and three staff members of an elderly home in Tuen Mun.

The affected, eight men and 12 women aged between 44 and 93 years, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since November 16.

A total of 19 people sought medical consultation.

One of them was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital.

All of them are in stable condition.

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

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

To prevent contracting 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.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital reports Norovirus cases in paediatrics ward (11/23/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (November 23):

Four patients (aged between one month and 16 years) and four staff members (two nurses and two supporting staff) of a paediatrics ward in PYNEH presented with diarrhoea and vomiting since November 14.

Laboratory tests were arranged for the patients and all tested positive for Norovirus.

Two patients have recovered and were discharged while the other two are being treated under isolation.

Their condition is stable.

Three of the staff members are now on sick leave and in stable condition, while the other one has recovered and returned to work.

PYNEH has enhanced infection control measures in accordance with the established infection control guidelines and will closely monitor the condition of affected patients and staff.

Patient service remains normal in the ward.

The eight cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Kowloon Hospital reports Norovirus cases in infirmary ward (11/26/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Kowloon Hospital made the following announcement today (November 26):

Since November 21, a total of six male patients (aged 69 to 99) and two staff members of an infirmary ward in the Kowloon Hospital Rehabilitation Building have presented with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Appropriate tests were carried out on the six patients and all were found positive for Norovirus.

Five of the patients are being treated under isolation and in stable condition, while the remaining one (aged 99) passed away on November 24 due to his underlying illness.

The conditions of the concerned staff members are stable after medical treatment and they are on sick leave.

Infection control measures have already been enhanced.

There will be no admission to and discharge from the ward for the time being.

Visiting to the isolation cubicle in the ward is also suspended.

All other patients in the ward concerned are under close medical surveillance.

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

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (11/27/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 27) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 18 residents and three staff members of an elderly home in Sha Tin.

The affected group, three men and 18 women aged between 24 and 96, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since November 15.

Nineteen of them had sought medical treatment.

Among them, four required hospitalised and three were already discharged.

All those affected are in stable condition.

The stool sample of three of the affected were tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP had 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;
• make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: A cluster of norovirus cases at Kowloon Hospital (11/28/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Following the earlier announcement on six male patients and two staff members in an infirmary ward in Kowloon Hospital presented with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms, the hospital announced the following updates today (November 28):

There are four more male patients (aged 84 - 94) and one more staff member presented with vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.

Test results of two patients are positive to Norovirus.

All four patients are being treated under isolation and in stable condition.

The staff member is in stable condition after treatment and is on sick leave.

Infection control measures have already been enhanced.

All other patients in the ward concerned 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.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating two norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks (11/30/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 30) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent norovirus gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into two gastroenteritis outbreaks affecting 39 residents and four staff members of two elderly homes in Yau Tong and Kowloon City.

The outbreak in Yau Tong involved 12 men and 11 women aged between 73 and 90. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea, vomiting and fever since November 23. Fourteen of them had sought medical treatment.

Among them, one required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition.

The sample of one resident tested positive for norovirus.

The case in Kowloon City involved 16 residents and four staff members aged between 47 and 103. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since November 22. Among the cases, four were admitted to hospital. All those affected are in stable condition.

The samples of nine affected people tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP had visited the two institutions 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.

-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Cluster of diarrhoea cases in orthopedic female ward of Tuen Mun Hospital (12/4/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

A spokesperson of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (December 4):

Six patients (aged from 66 to 85) of an orthopedic female ward of TMH have presented with diarrhoea symptoms since yesterday (December 3).

Appropriate tests had been arranged for the patients, and the results are pending.

The patients are being treated under isolation and 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.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Update on cluster of diarrhoea cases in Tuen Mun Hospital (12/7/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding an orthopedic female ward in Tuen Mun Hospital in which some patients had presented with diarrhoea symptoms, the hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 7):

Four more patients (aged 58 to 85) in the ward presented with diarrhoea symptoms.

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

Appropriate tests are being carried out, lab tests results are pending.

Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visiting of and discharge from the ward has been imposed. Infection control measures in 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 follow up.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Caritas Medical Centre reports Norovirus cases in medical rehabilitation ward (12/8/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (December 8):

Since December 4, a total of seven patients (aged 76 to 92) and one staff member of a female medical rehabilitation ward of CMC have presented with diarrhoea and vomiting. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients, and four of them have confirmed positive for Norovirus today.

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

The ward staff member is on sick leave.

Admission to the ward has been suspended. Restricted visits to and discharge from the ward is imposed. Infection control measures in 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 follow up.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Caritas Medical Centre update on cluster of Norovirus cases in medical rehabilitation ward (12/11/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding a female medical rehabilitation ward of Caritas Medical Centre in which some patients were confirmed to have Noroviral infection, the hospital spokesperson announced the following update today (December 11):

One more patient aged 84 in the ward has presented with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms. She is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition. Appropriate tests are being carried out. Admission to the ward has been suspended. Visits to and discharge from the ward have been restricted. Infection control measures in the ward concerned have already been stepped up. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating noroviral gastroenteritis outbreak (12/11/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 11) reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent noroviral gastroenteritis.

The appeal followed CHP's investigation into a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 18 residents and two staff of an elderly home in Sheung Shui.

The affected group, eight men and twelve women aged between 24 and 101, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since November 27. Ten of them had sought medical treatment. Among them, eight required hospitalisation. All those affected are in stable condition. The stool samples and rectal swabs of 12 of the affected were tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP had 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;
• make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: Prince of Wales Hospital reports Norovirus cases in neurosurgical ward (12/11/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) made the following announcement today (December 11).

Six male patients (aged 20 to 84) and eight staff members in a neurosurgical ward have presented with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms since November 30. One of the patients has recovered and was discharged. The remaining patients are in stable condition and under isolation. Test results of five of the patients were positive to the Norovirus. All the eight staff members have already recovered and resumed duty. Thorough disinfection and cleansing has been conducted in the ward concerned and infection control measures have also been stepped up. Visiting to the ward has been suspended and measures to restrict admission and discharge of patients have also been implemented.

The hospital will closely monitor the condition of all the patients. The PWH Infection Control Team has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
-

View Original Article

[Giuseppe]

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

Hong Kong: CHP investigating acute gastroenteritis outbreak at school (12/11/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 11) 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 50 students of a secondary school in Tseung Kwan O.

The affected, comprising 26 boys and 24 girls aged between 12 and 15, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 9. 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. Investigation is ongoing. CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide 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.

Members of the public 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.
-

View Original Article