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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 strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent gastroenteritis.
The appeal was made following CHP's investigation of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 24 residents in an elderly home in Yuen Long.
The affected residents, comprising three men and 21 women aged between 72 and 97, developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, between January 1 and 7.
Of them, six consulted general practitioners and general out-patient clinics and another three were admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital. All of them 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 and 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 again as necessary.
To prevent contracting gastroenteritis, members of the public are advised to:
* Ensure proper personal hygiene;
* Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet or handling vomitus or faecal matter;
* Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked.
Members of the public can obtain more information on the prevention of gastroenteritis from CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Monday, January 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:04
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