The Department of Health has set up a hotline (2961 8966) offering advice and information on preventing viral gastroenteritis.

The hotline will operate until 9pm today and during office hours daily until further notice.

The department said as of November 18, 45 outbreaks, most of them caused by Norwalk-like virus, have been reported this year. About 60% (28 cases) occurred in January and March.

This month nine viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutions have been brought to the attention of the Department of Health. Five have been laboratory-confirmed as outbreaks of Norwalk-like viral gastroenteritis.

Institutions involved in the five outbreaks are:

* the Sacred Heart Canossian School on Caine Road - 277 students have symptoms of gastroenteritis;

* the Development Disability Unit at Caritas Medical Centre - 16 children and four staff have symptoms;

* the HK Society for the Protection of Children's Sze Wu Shu Min Day Nursery in Tseung Kwan O - 27 children with symptoms;

* Quarry Bay Primary School - 53 students have symptoms; and,

* Ward 7C of Prince of Wales Hospital (Paediatric Orthopaedic Ward) - six patients have vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fever.

The department is investigating another four institutional outbreaks, and await test results. According to initial findings, the features of the outbreaks are compatible with Norwalk-like virus infection.

The institutions are:

* Caritas Evergreen Home in Central & Western District;

* King's College Old Boys Association Primary School in Central & Western District;

* Kellett School in Southern District; and,

* Pokfulam Skill Centre in Southern District.

Upon being notified of the cases, the department immediately carried out investigations and put all the institutions under medical surveillance. They were also reminded of preventive measures. All have now conducted proper disinfection according to department guidelines.

The department stressed that careful attention to personal, food and environmental hygiene is key to preventing gastroenteritis outbreaks, which tend to be more frequent in winter months.

People are advised to:

* wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet or handling vomit or faecal matter;

* wear gloves when disposing of vomit and faeces and wash hands afterwards;

* clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with household bleach diluted to a ratio of 1:49 units of water;

* maintain good indoor ventilation; and,

* ensure food, particularly seafood and shellfish, is cooked thoroughly.

Anyone suffering from viral gastroenteritis should stay home until they recover.

The department also reminded institutions to watch out for symptoms of viral gastroenteritis and report any suspected outbreaks.