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The Department of Health (DH) and relevant government departments/agencies have established a Public Health Incident Assessment Group (PHIAG) and conducted a joint investigation this morning (March 30) into an outbreak of norovirus infection on an inbound cruise at Ocean Terminal Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, and hence appealed to travellers and operators of cross-boundary cruise ships to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against gastroenteritis.
"Upon notification from the cruise operator, an outbreak of norovirus infection was suspected prior to berthing in Hong Kong. We swiftly formed the PHIAG yesterday (March 29) for response before its arrival, and convened a Public Health Team (PHT) to conduct onboard assessments and epidemiological investigations," the Chief Port Health Officer of the DH, Dr Raymond Ho, said.
Initial enquiries revealed that a total of 150 persons, 80 males and 70 females aged 17 to 95, were affected. Among them, 134 are passengers and 16 are crew members. They have developed vomiting, diarrhoea and fever onboard since March 7. To date, health assessments by the PHT showed that most had recovered, while 27 self-isolated in their own rooms and five symptomatic patients were in stable condition. No hospitalisation was required and health surveillance on their body temperature has not detected any abnormalities so far.
Stool specimens of nine affected persons tested positive for norovirus upon preliminary testing by testing services onboard.
The PHT inspected the cruise ship and provided health advice to affected persons and the operator on necessary infection control measures, including proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. Enhanced training for front-line cleaning staff has also been recommended.
Inbound passengers and crew members have been put under medical surveillance. If compatible symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention promptly and call the DH's hotline (2125 2352) for follow-up.
Apart from the DH, other members of the PHIAG include representatives from the Immigration Department, the Marine Department, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Tourism Commission, the Hong Kong Pilots Association Ltd, the terminal operator and the shipping agent.
"Norovirus infection typically causes acute gastroenteritis. People can get norovirus from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. It can cause outbreaks in settings where people are staying close together, such as schools, elderly homes, hotels and cruise ships. It tends to be more common in winter. Robust disease control measures and disinfection are essential in controlling further spread of the disease," Dr Ho said.
To prevent contracting gastroenteritis, the DH advised travellers to:
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter; and
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
People suffering from gastroenteritis onboard a cruise ship should report to its medical staff immediately.
More information is available on the Centre for Health Protection's norovirus infection page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/33.html)
Ends/Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:48
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