Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
-----
CHP investigates acute gastroenteritis outbreak at kindergarten
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 7) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak at a kindergarten in Yuen Long District involving 11 pupils aged between 3 and 5 and nine staff members aged between 25 and 45.
Those affected, comprising four males and 16 females, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, since August 31.
Fourteen of them sought medical attention. No hospitalisation was required. All the affected are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The investigation is ongoing. The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
Ends/Friday, September 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:07
NNNN
-The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 7) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak at a kindergarten in Yuen Long District involving 11 pupils aged between 3 and 5 and nine staff members aged between 25 and 45.
Those affected, comprising four males and 16 females, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, since August 31.
Fourteen of them sought medical attention. No hospitalisation was required. All the affected are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The investigation is ongoing. The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
- Ensure proper personal hygiene;
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet;
- Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces, and wash hands afterwards;
- Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water);
- Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
- Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
Ends/Friday, September 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:07
NNNN
-----