******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 16) reminded members of the public and management of schools to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak in a kindergarten cum child care centre in Tin Shui Wai.
The affected were seven male and 10 female students, aged from two to five, and three female staff. They had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, since February 16.
A stool specimen collected from one of the affected staff tested negative for Norovirus.
Five of the affected have sought medical consultation. None required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the kindergarten cum child care centre and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and environmental hygiene.
The school was put under medical surveillance. The CHP will closely monitor the situation.
To prevent gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
* 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 promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of household bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water) ;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation; and
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:37
NNNN
