Caution urged on rising gastro outbreak

August 23, 2012

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang has urged the public to monitor their personal hygiene and eating habits, due to a drastic increase in acute gastroenteritis cases this year.
 
He told the media today the centre has recorded 55 cases so far this month, compared to the average of less than 10 in recent years. Fifteen were recorded last month.
 
He said the surge is unusual because the peak season for gastroenteritis is normally in winter.
 
"We are not exactly sure of the reason, but one of the possible explanations is that this year the predominant strain of the virus has undergone some changes in Hong Kong. A previous strain that was not so dominant, has become more dominant. But we are not 100% sure whether that is the only cause of the pattern we are observing."
 
He urged the public to avoid the virus by keeping good hygiene.
 
"We are appealing to the public to be very careful about their personal hygiene and eating habits because this virus is normally transmitted via the oral route. Be especially careful about the handling of vomitus, because this virus is highly infectious through vomitus produced by patients."
 
He also warned travellers about the West Nile Virus outbreak in the US, which has affected 1,100 people in 47 states. Forty-one have died.
 
The cases are mainly concentrated in southern areas.
 
The virus can be transmitted via mosquitoes, but is not contagious between humans.
 
He warned travellers to take precautions against mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent.
 
Hong Kong doctors have been asked to report suspected cases.