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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 17) reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into an acute gastroenteritis outbreak at a residential child care centre in Wan Chai involving 22 children.
The affected, comprising 16 males and six females aged from three to 20 months, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including fever and diarrhoea, since February 2.
Medical attention was sought for 17 of them. One of them, a 1-year-old boy, required hospitalisation. He was discharged yesterday. All those affected are now in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the institution and provided health advice to the staff concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The investigation is ongoing. The CHP will closely monitor the institution and provide health advice when necessary.
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 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.
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/Friday, February 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:04
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