1st June 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is currently investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) at Children’s Residential Home under Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children in Mong Kok. The CHP has reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
The outbreak has affected 23 children, consisting of 12 boys and 11 girls aged between 4 months and 2 years old. These children have been experiencing diarrhoea since 24th May. Fortunately, all the patients are currently in stable condition.
The CHP’s epidemiological investigation suggests that the outbreak has a higher chance of person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination, while the chance of involving food poisoning is relatively low.
In response to the outbreak, CHP officers have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the residential child care centre regarding proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The residential child care centre has also been put under medical surveillance.
The CHP is continuing with its investigations to determine the source of the outbreak. In the meantime, the public is advised to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the spread of AGE.