The Health Bureau (SSM) reported a collective gastroenteritis (also known as stomach bug) case yesterday, involving eight children from Saint Joseph International Nursery (CISJ).
According to an SSM statement, the one-year-old children started to show gastroenteritis symptoms, such as stomach ache and diarrhoea, on Tuesday. The statement pointed out that some of the children have seen a doctor but none of them were hospitalised. The statement pointed out that the bureau suspected the case was caused by a virus, adding that it is investigating the case by collecting samples. The statement noted that the bureau also urged the nursery to properly handle bodily waste and keep the classrooms well ventilated.
According to the statement, the norovirus and rotavirus are common causes of stomach flu, pointing out that they are usually active during the 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.
Image courtesy of James Yang/Parents Network
