The Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday that the public Escola Primária Luso-Chinesa da Flora has reported a collective stomach flu case involving four 6-year-old pupils.
The statement said that the four pupils, all from class SC1B, comprise three boys and a girl. The statement noted that the children started feeling unwell on Monday, when they came down with a fever and were vomiting.
The statement said that some of the children were taken for outpatient treatment to a hospital or clinic, and there were no serious and hospitalised cases. The statement pointed out that after investigating details of their meal times, the bureau came to the conclusion that the case was caused by a virus. However, the statement added that the bureau would continue to investigate the incident by requesting that the children undergo further tests.
The statement noted that the norovirus and rotavirus are common causes of stomach flu, pointing out that they are usually active during the autumn and winter months. The statement stressed that the norovirus is highly contagious, especially in retirement homes and schools and through contaminated food or water. The statement noted that the norovirus has a 24 to 48 hour incubation period.
Furthermore, the statement underlined that the rotavirus is more common among children aged six months to two years. The statement also said that the two viruses have similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache and fever, adding that the illness can last for up to five days.
The bureau urged people to be more aware of personal hygiene and not to attend work or school if they have symptoms of stomach flu. The statement said that if there are multiple cases of stomach flu at a particular venue, please call 2870 0800.
