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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (July 30) received report of a cluster of students presenting with gastroenteritis symptoms and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The eight girls and four boys affected, aged between nine and 15, participated in a holiday camp in Lei Yu Mun. They gradually developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever from July 25.
Four of them sought medical attention. No hospitalisation was required. All are in stable condition.
The investigation continues.
To prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, the public should take the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faeces; and wash hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted at a ratio of 1:50 (by adding one part of household bleach to 49 parts of water);
* maintain good indoor ventilation;
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
Ends/Friday, July 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 23:08
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