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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 19) 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 17 residents and three staff members of an elderly home in Tuen Mun.
The affected, eight men and 12 women aged between 44 and 93 years, had developed symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and vomiting, since November 16.
A total of 19 people sought medical consultation. One of them was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital. All of them are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have visited the elderly home and provided health advice to staff concerning proper disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus and stools, as well as personal and food hygiene.
CHP will closely monitor the institution for further cases and provide health advice when 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 (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Central Health Education Unit hotline, 2833 0111.
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:00
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