The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a dysentery outbreak in Pik Uk Correctional Institution involving 16 men aged 14 to 37.

They came down with fever, vomiting and diarrhoea from March 10 to 13. They consulted doctors at the facility and no hospitalisation was required.

They tested positive for Shigella sonnei, the bacteria that causes the illness. The institution has been advised to enhance infection control measures.

The Department of Health received notification of 67 dysentery cases last year, 140 in 2006, and 129 in 2005.