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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) confirmed that the Centre received two reports of norovirus infections involving two residents of the Hong Kong Paralympic Village.
The spokesman said the two female residents, aged 19 and 53, developed gastroenteritis symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea on August 31 and September 1 respectively. They were admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on September 1 and 4 respectively for treatment. Both of them are in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on their stool specimens yielded positive results to norovirus, a common cause of viral gastroenteritis.
There is no obvious link between the two cases and the cause of infection has not yet been ascertained. CHP's investigation into the cases is continuing.
Meanwhile, another female resident of the village, aged 57, also developed gastroenteritis symptoms yesterday (September 3). The patient has been admitted to PMH and is now in stable condition. Laboratory tests on her stool specimens yielded negative results to norovirus.
CHP staff has visited the village and provided health advice, including stepping up of environmental disinfection, observing good personal hygiene, use of alcohol rub, to the management.
The village has carried out thorough disinfection according to CHP's advice. CHP will closely monitor the health condition of residents and staff of the Village.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdomen pain and mild fever. The disease generally lasts for only two to three days and subsides spontaneously.
Ends/Thursday, September 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:44
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