CHP investigates disease outbreaks in kindergarten-cum-child care centre in North Point
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Regarding the norovirus outbreak, the 20 affected pupils, 10 boys and 10 girls all aged two, have developed diarrhoea, vomiting and fever since October 7. Among them, 17 sought medical attention and two of them were hospitalised and subsequently discharged.
The stool specimens of the above two hospitalised pupils tested positive for norovirus upon laboratory testing by the hospitals concerned.
As for the URI outbreak, the other 22 pupils, nine boys and 13 girls all aged two, have presented with cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever since September 30. Among them, 16 sought medical advice and two of them were admitted to hospital while one has been discharged.
The nasopharyngeal swab of one pupil tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus upon testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
All affected pupils are now in stable condition. Investigations are continuing.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the KG/CCC concerning proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus, and personal, hand and environmental hygiene. The KG/CCC has been put under medical surveillance.
The CHP advised the public to take heed of preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
- Ensure proper personal hygiene;
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diaper;
- 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 should also observe advice against respiratory illnesses:
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
- When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
- Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
- Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks in such places; and
- Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's page on norovirus infection and RSV infection or call the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information.
Ends/Monday, October 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:18
Issued at HKT 17:18
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