The Health Bureau (SSM) announced a collective gastroenteritis case in a statement yesterday, involving four children from Crèche Montessori Montemind in Rua de Sacadura Cabral, Chun Lai Building.
The statement noted that the four children are a boy and three girls, aged around one and two. The statement said that they showed gastroenteritis symptoms, also known as stomach flu, such as vomiting and diarrhoea on Saturday, and they have all seen a doctor. The statement added that none of them were hospitalised and they did not suffer from any serious complications.
According to the statement, the bureau analysed their meals and deduced that their cases were not caused by food poisoning and suspects that they were caused by a virus. The bureau has collected samples for further testing and SSM officials have shown the employees of the nursery the proper way to dispose of the children’s bodily waste and vomit, as well as to ensure that the premises’ ventilation is sufficient.
According to the statement, the norovirus and rotavirus are common causes of stomach flu, pointing out that they are usually active during autumn and winter. 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 kinds of viruses have similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache and fever, adding that the illness could 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 any cases of collective stomach flu, please contact 2870 0800.
