CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at RCHE in Yuen Long
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The outbreak affected two male and 19 female residents, aged 67 to 103, who have developed diarrhoea and vomiting since February 2. Among them, 15 patients sought medical attention. Three of them required hospitalisation and two were discharged. All patients have been in a stable condition.
Stool specimens of two patients tested positive for Rotavirus upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the RCHE concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The elderly home has been put under medical surveillance.
The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
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 or food stalls.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the Health Education Hotline (2833 0111) for more information.
Ends/Monday, February 12, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:30
Issued at HKT 17:30
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