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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Hong Kong : Norovirus outbreak under close watch at elderly home

Press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak at an elderly home and reminded people and management of institutions to strictly observe environmental and personal hygiene to prevent norovirus gastroenteritis.

The gastroenteritis outbreak affected 46 residents aged between 74 and 104 and 20 staff members at an elderly home in Kwun Tong. The affected, 10 men and 56 women, have developed symptoms of acute gastroenteritis including diarrhoea and vomiting since January 2.

All the affected are in stable condition. Seven of the affected residents required hospitalisation. Stool samples from eight affected residents tested positive for norovirus.

Officers of the CHP have visited the institution on multiple occasions and provided health advice to staff on proper disinfection, disposal of vomitus and faecal matter, as well as personal and food hygiene. Another visit to the institution, together with the Social Welfare Department, was conducted today (January 18) to reinforce the infection control measures."

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