Hong Kong's food and health authority Wednesday jointly called
citizens to be on high alert against the outbreak of norovirus as
the infection cases increased in Japan.
Norovirus is transmitted via person-to-person or food and water
contaminated by the virus. It is believed to be the most common
cause of viral gastroenteritis in the community. Symptoms consist
of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which generally subside within a
few days.
The Center for Health Protection (CHP) said people should be
vigilant as noroviral gastroenteritis had also entered the peak
season in Hong Kong since late November and early December.
Furthermore, the winter season is historically the peak season for
norovirus outbreaks.
It also reminded people to maintain strict personal and
environmental hygiene to prevent acute gastroenteritis caused by
norovirus infection.
Meanwhile, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department warned
people to be away from raw sea food, which is easy to be affected
by norovirus. It also called the food industry to examine their
kitchens, food preparation rooms and installation facilities to
guarantee food security.
Shenzhen's tourism bureau also warned local travelers who are
planning to travel to Japan not to eat raw seafood after a record
outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus infected more than 3
million people in that country.
(Xinhua News Agency December 28, 2006)