Health authorities warn of surge in acute gastroenteritis cases

The number of acute gastroenteritis cases remains at a high level in Hong Kong, with mainly found to be caused by norovirus, health official Albert Au Ka-wing warned, urging citizens to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

Au, head of the Centre for Health Protection’s Communicable Disease Branch, stated on a radio program on Monday that the number of acute gastroenteritis cases in the SAR has been on the rise since December and continues to stay high, with 87 group infections from institutions and schools affecting about 1,000 people.

He noted that epidemiological investigations revealed that outbreaks in these institutions are often linked to staff improperly handling vomit, such as using bleach incorrectly for disinfection. 

Additionally, some cases involve students, staff or residents eating outside or coming into contact with contaminated items, which can lead to infections spreading within the institutions and schools, ultimately resulting in outbreaks.

Au stated that norovirus is more active during the winter season and is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. 

He noted that infections usually occur when one consumes contaminated food like raw oysters and contact with contaminated environments, or person-to-person transmission. 

Contacting a patient’s vomit or being in a confined space with someone who has vomited can also lead to transmission, but the virus is less commonly spread through respiratory droplets, he added.

Au indicated that norovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and mild fever, noting that patients typically improve within a few days with appropriate treatment and hydration. 

However, he cautioned that individuals with weakened immune systems may face severe complications, urging the public to remain vigilant about personal and environmental hygiene.

(Cheng Wong)