Six gastroenteritis outbreaks involving 55 people from childcare centres, schools and an elderly home have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection since January 4. Those affected require no hospitalisation. They include students, residents or staff from two childcare centres, two schools, a kindergarten and an elderly home.

Centre officers have inspected the institutions and instructed the management to implement appropriate preventive measures including proper disinfection, and to watch for symptoms of gastroenteritis and report any suspected cases.

Gastroenteritis occurs in Hong Kong all year round. Viral gastroenteritis tends to be more common in the winter months and is commonly caused by noroviruses. It is usually self-limiting with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low-grade fever and fatigue. Symptoms usually last for one to two days.

For more details of viral gastroenteritis and its prevention, click here, or call the Central Health Education Hotline 2833 0111.