Hotline set up to answer enquiries on viral gastroenteritis
**********************************************
To heighten public vigilance against viral gastroenteritis, the Department of Health today (November 19) set up a hotline to provide health advice and information on how to prevent the disease.
The hotline, 2961 8966, will operate until 9pm today and during office hours daily until further notice.
A department spokesman stressed that careful attention to personal, food and environmental hygiene is the key to preventing gastroenteritis outbreaks.
"Epidemiological evidence suggests that gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with Norwalk-like virus tend to be more frequent in the winter months," he said.
"As of yesterday (November 18), a total of 45 outbreaks, most of them caused by Norwalk-like virus, had been reported to the department this year. About 60% (28 cases) occurred in January and March."
So far this month, nine viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutions have been brought to the attention of the Department of Health. Five have been laboratory-confirmed as outbreaks of Norwalk-like viral gastroenteritis.
The department is still investigating the other four institutional outbreaks, and results of stool samples are pending. According to initial findings, the features of the outbreaks are compatible with Norwalk-like virus infection.
Upon being notified of these cases, the Department of Health immediately carried out investigations and put all the institutions under medical surveillance. The institutions were also reminded of the preventive measures to take against viral gastroenteritis. All have now carried out proper disinfection according to department guidelines.
The latest details on the five outbreaks caused by Norwalk-like virus are:
(1) Sacred Heart Canossian School in Caine Road
* 277 students have symptoms of gastroenteritis.
* Stool samples from four students tested positive for Norwalk-like virus.
* Two students required hospitalisation but have been discharged.
(2) Development Disability Unit at Caritas Medical Centre
* 16 children and 4 staff members have symptoms of gastroenteritis.
* Stool samples from six children tested positive for Norwalk-like virus.
(3) Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children Sze Wu Shu Min Day Nursery in Tseung Kwan O
* One stool sample tested positive for Norwalk-like virus.
* 27 children have suffered from gastroenteritis symptoms, including vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
* One child required hospitalisation but has been discharged.
(4) Quarry Bay Primary School
*Stool samples from three students tested positive for Norwalk-like virus.
*53 students have suffered from gastroenteritis symptoms, including vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
* One child required hospitalization.
(5) Ward 7C in Prince of Wales Hospital (Paediatric Orthopaedic Ward)
*six patients have suffered from symptoms of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diahorroea and fever.
* Two stool samples tested positive for Norwalk-like virus.
Details of the other four gastroenteritis outbreaks are as follows:
(1) Caritas Evergreen Home in Central and Western District
* Eight residents have suffered from diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.
* Two residents were admitted to hospital in stable condition.
* Results of stool samples are pending.
(2) King's College Old Boys Association Primary School in Central and Western District
* Five students have suffered from vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.
* Stool samples will be collected.
(3) Kellett School in Southern District
* Eight students have suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.
* Results of stool samples are pending.
(4) Pokfulam Skill Centre in Southern District
* Five students have suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.
* Stool samples will be collected.
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, the public should observe the following precautions:
* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating and after using the toilet or handling vomit or faecal matter;
* wear gloves when disposing of vomit and faeces and wash hands afterwards;
* clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted in a ratio of 1 in 49 units of water;
* maintain good indoor ventilation;
* make sure that food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.
Any students suffering from viral gastroenteritis should stay home until they recover.
The department also reminded institutions to watch out for symptoms of viral gastroenteritis and report any suspected outbreaks to the department.
For more advice on prevention of viral gastroenteritis, see the Department of Health website (http://www.gov.hk/dh) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
End/Wednesday, November 19, 2003
NNNN
