CHP Investigates Stomach Flu Outbreak in Kindergarten 

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is probing an acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreak in a North District kindergarten, with as many as 20 children affected, according to a government press release on Thursday.

AGE is a common infectious disease, commonly referred to as the “stomach flu.”. With gastroenteritis, the stomach and intestines become irritated and inflamed, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, cramping, and fever.

While it is not usually a life threatening disease, gastroenteritis can lead to severe abdominal pain, dehydration, and death if left untreated for long periods of time.

The AGE outbreak affected 12 boys and eight girls aged four to five years old, with many of them developing symptoms as early as Oct. 12. Five of the children required hospitalisation, and three have since been discharged after managing symptoms.

The kindergarten is currently under medical surveillance to prevent further spread of the disease, and CHP officers have provided instructions on proper disinfection, disposal or vomit, and personal hygiene.

Gastroenteritis can be transmitted through contaminated water, direct contact from an infected person, unwashed hands, undercooked poultry, and other toxins.

The CHP reminds members of the public to practice regular personal hygiene, including hand-washing, wearing gloves when disposing of bodily waste, regularly disinfecting homes, drinking boiled water, and avoiding unlicensed food vendors.