CHP updates on latest situation of outbreak of acute gastroenteritis involving study tour of primary school
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) reported the latest investigation progress of an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a study tour organised by a primary school announced on November 4, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
The CHP's medical surveillance of the study tour participants revealed that there were four more patients, comprising two boys and two girls aged 10. They developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever since November 4 and 5. Two of the affected pupils sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation.
The outbreak has involved a total of 30 pupils so far, comprising 17 boys and 13 girls aged 10 to 11, all of them are Primary Five students. Five of them have sought medical consultation and are stable with one admitted to hospital for treatment. The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that the outbreak is very likely caused by person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination.
Since new cases were recorded and a pupil vomited in the school on November 4, the CHP has advised the school again to enhance the preventive measures, including proper and thorough cleaning and disinfection measures, proper disposal of vomitus, ensuring pupils with symptoms to stay at home, and maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Medical surveillance of Primary Five students is still ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
Ensure proper personal hygiene;
Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
Maintain good indoor ventilation;
Pay attention to food hygiene;
Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
Drink boiled water; and
Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.
The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) organised a reception with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in London on November 5 (London time) to update engineering practitioners, graduates and students in the United Kingdom (UK) on the latest developments in Hong Kong and promote professional exchanges between the two places.
Speaking at the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, MrGilford Law, highlighted that the Northern Metropolis would gradually enter the maturity phase. He said, "As set out in 'The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address', the Government will seek funding for the first-stage of San Tin Technopole's infrastructure and begin construction work this year, with a target of delivering about 20 hectares of new sites for growing our burgeoning innovation and technology in phases, beginning in 2026-27. In parallel, the preliminary development proposal for Ngau Tam Mei will reserve land for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town as well as Hong Kong's third medical school and an integrated medical teaching and research hospital." Mr Law also talked about the Government's adoption of a large-scale land-disposal approach on a pilot basis for expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as well as Hong Kong's commitment to support the low-altitude economy.
Mr Law encouraged engineering students to seize the opportunities presented by these new development projects and consider pursuing a career in Hong Kong. He also expressed full support for the continuous professional exchanges between the engineering communities of Hong Kong and the UK, which would strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two places.
Over 70 participants joined the reception.
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO promotes professional exchanges in engineering between Hong Kong and UK Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
