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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (February 14) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in a kindergarten in Kowloon City affecting 25 pupils and hence appealed to the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
The affected pupils, 18 boys and seven girls aged 4 to 6, presented with AGE symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, since February 12. Eighteen of them sought medical consultation and none required hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
Investigations by the CHP are continuing.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the kindergarten concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against AGE:
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet;
* Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
* Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of 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.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information on AGE.
Ends/Friday, February 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:01
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