The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a gastroenteritis outbreak caused by norovirus infection, involving 34 Kowloon City elderly home residents and two staff members.

The 15 men and 21 women aged 46 to 97 came down with diarrhoea and vomiting between December 19 and 27. Of them, 34 consulted general practitioners and general out-patient clinics while one attended Kwong Wah Hospital accident and emergency department. None of them was admitted. All the affected are in stable condition.

Preliminary tests showed one stool sample positive for norovirus, a common cause of viral gastroenteritis.

The centre's staff visited the elderly home and offered health instructions to staff, who were reminded to watch out for symptoms of viral gastroenteritis among residents and report any suspected cases to the centre.

More information on the disease and its prevention tips can be found here. For enquiries, call 2833 0111.