Hong Kong – CHP investigates outbreak of acute gastroenteritis at residential child care centre in Wan Chai District

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (July 18) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) at a residential child care centre in Wan Chai District, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.

     The outbreak involves 18 boys and 12 girls aged 6 months to 4 years old. They developed vomiting and diarrhoea since July 13. All of them sought medical attention and 11 required hospitalisation. Seven of them have been discharged after management. All patients are in stable condition.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the centre concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The centre has been put under medical surveillance.

 

     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 DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.