Press Release

Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in primary school under CHP investigation

27 November 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 27) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in a primary school in Kowloon City affecting 23 pupils, and hence appealed to the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

The affected pupils, comprising 14 boys and nine girls aged 6 to 8, have presented with vomiting since November 26. All of them sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. All the affected pupils are currently in stable condition.

Investigations by the CHP are continuing.

Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the school concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school has been put under medical surveillance.

A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against AGE:

• 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.

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 on AGE.