5th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) A suspected outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) at Creative Kindergarten (Castello) in Sha Tin has been reported to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). The outbreak involves 23 pupils, comprising 11 boys and 12 girls aged 2 to 6, and one staff member. They developed vomiting, diarrhoea and fever since 31st May. Four of the affected pupils sought medical attention, three of whom required hospitalisation and two have been discharged after management. One of the stool samples tested positive for norovirus. All patients are in stable condition.
The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed that vomiting occurred at the school, indicating a higher chance of person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination. The chance of involving food poisoning is relatively low. The CHP has conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the kindergarten staff concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene.
The DH has reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE. The DH also urged institutions to take measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as implementing proper disinfection and reporting outbreaks to the CHP.
Investigations are ongoing, and the kindergarten has been put under medical surveillance. The CHP will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary health advice.