Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP reminds public to be vigilant in preventing norovirus when travelling outside Hong Kong
“According to the Japanese authorities, 72 people developed food poisoning symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and vomiting after consuming lunch boxes provided by a catering service in the southern Tochigi on April 9, and one of them died with the cause of death yet to be ascertained. Investigations by the authorities concerned found that the stool samples collected from the affected patients and the staff of the catering service were tested positive for norovirus. As Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of Hong Kong, and the activity of norovirus in Japan this year is higher than that in the same period in the past five years, I would like to appeal to those who are planning to visit or are currently visiting Japan to remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected,” Dr Tsui said.
“Norovirus is highly contagious and individuals may become infected after being exposed to even a small amount of norovirus. The virus can be transmitted through various means, such as eating contaminated food, contacting with the vomit or excreta of infected persons, and contacting with contaminated objects. It may lead to a large-scale outbreak. Since alcohol is not effective in killing norovirus, alcohol-based handrubs are not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water,” he added.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mild fever and malaise. Most patients usually recover on their own and symptoms usually improve within one to three days. Members of the public may visit the CHP’s webpages for more information and preventive advice on norovirus infectionIssued at HKT 20:54
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