CHP investigates two outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis
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The outbreak at the kindergarten in Tai Po involves eight males and 13 females, comprising 18 pupils aged 3 to 5 and three staff members. They have presented with vomiting, diarrhoea and fever since September 29. Fourteen of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation.
The outbreak at the kindergarten in Tin Shui Wai involved eight boys and 13 girls aged between 2 and 5. They have presented with diarrhoea and vomiting since October 3. Eleven pupils sought medical attention while one of them required hospitalisation.
All of the affected persons are now in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.
Officers of the CHP have conducted site visits and provided health advice to the staff of the kindergartens concerning proper and thorough disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The two kindergartens have been put under medical surveillance.
A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
- Ensure proper personal hygiene;
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
- Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
- Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- Pay attention to food hygiene;
- Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
- Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
- Drink boiled water; and
- Do not patronise unlicensed food premises and food stalls.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information.
Ends/Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:04
Issued at HKT 19:04
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