Gastroenteritis outbreaks among Hong Kong schools’ trips near 100 cases
Authorities say cases reported from seven schools on student exchange tours to mainland China
The number of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in the past few weeks edged towards 100 cases after 40 more students and teachers on exchange tours to mainland China were confirmed to have previously developed symptoms.
The Education Bureau confirmed on Wednesday the cases came from four secondary schools that had gone on an exchange tour to Huangshan in Anhui province between February 17 and 21, with some pupils complaining of sickness after arriving, while others developed acute gastroenteritis symptoms.
The revelation came after the Centre for Health Protection said three other schools on separate exchange tours to Shaoguan in Guangdong province this month also reported acute gastroenteritis outbreaks, with a total of 52 students and teachers falling ill after they dined at the same restaurants.
A spokeswoman said the bureau, the organising agency of the February cases and other relevant parties had offered assistance and taken preventive measures.
“[The measures] included arranging for doctors to diagnose and provide medicines, changing rooms for students with symptoms to prevent cross-infection, and reminding students to keep warm and eat carefully,” she said.
“The school has also informed parents of the incident.”
The tour group returned to Hong Kong on February 21, with those affected having recovered.
