The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a gastroenteritis outbreak involving 14 residents and four staff of a Kowloon City elderly home.

The two men and 16 women, aged 36 to 94, developed gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain from September 1 to 5.

Four were admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and one to Kwong Wah Hospital. Two were discharged and the remaining three are in stable condition.

The centre was notified of the outbreak on September 4, and officers conducted a site investigation and rectified the home's hygiene conditions. Problems were found with its toilet facilities which have now been fixed.

The home has been ordered to conduct proper disinfection, to watch for symptoms and report any suspected cases.

Viral gastroenteritis caused by the norovirus is usually not contagious. Symptoms can last for up to two days. While the disease is more common in cooler months, people should maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene.