11 Feb 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 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 a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 35 students of a primary school in Tuen Mun.
The affected, comprising 15 boys and 20 girls aged between 8 and 12, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since February 5.
Five of the affected consulted private doctors and one attended Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. All of them are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP provided health instructions to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and stools, as well as personal and food hygiene.
CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent contracting 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.