Surveillance measures and public education will be stepped up in the coming weeks to prevent the spread of norovirus, Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Pak-yin says.

The Inter-departmental Co-ordinating Committee on Noroviral Gastroenteritis reviewed today the latest situation and mapped out city-wide strategies and control measures.

The committee will adopt a package of measures to curb the disease's spread. Control measures will be strengthened in hospital wards. Disinfection and stringent infection control measures will be implemented if any patient develops noroviral gastroenteritis symptoms.

A promotional campaign will be enhanced to remind the public of the importance of hand hygiene and proper disinfection.

6 more ill 

As at 5pm today, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern, North District and Prince of Wales Hospitals had new cases of patients and staff suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting, including four patients aged 43 to 82 and two staff. Their condition is stable.

They are being treated in isolation, while the staff concerned are on sick leave. Laboratory tests are being carried out and infection control measures have already been stepped up in the concerned wards.

The cases have already been reported to Hospital Authority's Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.