The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement yesterday that four cases of collective gastroenteritis (colloquially known as stomach flu) were recorded involving 40 children in two schools, a kindergarten and a nursery.
According to the statement, the first case involved 14 students from Escola dos Moradores de Macau on Avenida do Nordeste in Areia Preta. The statement noted that 10 boys and four girls, aged between eight and 12 years, came down with gastroenteritis.
The second case, the statement said, involved 17 students from the Jardim de Infância Anexa à Escola Tong Sin Tong on Rua Cidade de Santarém in Zape. The statement noted that 12 boys and five girls, aged between 4 and 6, came down with gastroenteritis in the kindergarten.
The third case, according to the statement, involved five children from the “Seagull” creche of the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Association on Rua de Mong Sin in Areia Preta. The statement noted that three boys and two girls, aged 2 years old, came down with gastroenteritis.
The fourth case, according to the statement, involved 4 students from the Pui Tou School (Primary Section) on Rua Formosa. The statement noted that two boys and two girls, aged 9 to 10 years old, came down with gastroenteritis.
The statement also said that the children started to feel unwell on Monday and Tuesday, suffering from vomiting and abdominal pain.
The statement pointed out that after investigation, the bureau concluded that none of the cases were related to food poisoning, adding that considering the time and symptoms, the bureau believed that the cause was a norovirus or rotavirus.
According to the statement, the norovirus and rotavirus are common causes of stomach flu that 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, stomachache and fever, adding that the illness could last for up to five days.
Collective flu case
Besides, the bureau noted in another statement yesterday that one case of collective flu was recorded involving seven children in Macao Sam Yuk Middle School on Rua de Colegio in Taipa.
According to the statement, the case involved seven children – three boys and four girls, aged 6 years old, had come down with upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough since Friday.
The Health Bureau reminded residents to get their flu shot, rest well, have a balanced diet, and be aware of personal hygiene to minimise the risk of catching the flu. The bureau also urged residents to also cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and to see the doctor as soon as one comes down with flu symptoms.
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 or influenza. The statement said that in case of collective stomach flu or influenza, people should contact the bureau on 2870 0800.
