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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 7) 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 outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at an elderly home in Yau Tong involving 21 residents.
The affected residents, comprising 15 males and six females aged between 55 and 97, presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and vomiting since December 28.
All the affected residents sought medical consultation and one of them was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. They are all in a stable condition.
The CHP's investigations are continuing.
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 elderly home is now under medical surveillance.
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;
* Pay attention to food hygiene;
* Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
* Drink boiled water; and
* Do not patronise unlicensed food premises and food stalls.
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 on 2833 0111.
Ends/Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:18
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