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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 17) 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 into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 61 students and two staff members in a primary school in Kowloon City.
The affected, 46 males and 17 females, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since December 6.
No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the school and provided health instructions to staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene.
Investigation continues. The CHP will closely monitor the school for further cases and provide health advice when necessary.
To prevent 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.
Ends/Thursday, December 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:15
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