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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 4) reminded people and management of institutions to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 17 residents and three staff members in an elderly home in Tuen Mun.
The affected, 10 men and 10 women aged between 40 and 96, developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, between December 27 and January 3.
Of them, 16 consulted general practitioners and general out-patient clinics while three attended the Emergency and Accident Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. Two of them were admitted. All are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have conducted field visits to the elderly home. Health instructions were provided to the staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and stools, as well as personal and food hygiene.
CHP will closely monitor the elderly home for further cases and provide health advice as necessary.
To prevent contracting gastroenteritis, people are advised to-
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
People can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Friday, January 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:54
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