Norovirus Strikes Seniors' Residence

Residents and caregivers in a Kowloon City home for seniors have been on the receiving end of a Norovirus outbreak, according to a news release issued by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The outbreak began on December 19th and, by December 27th, had affected 34 residents and 2 workers at the facility. Norovirus was found in a stool sample from one of the victims of the outbreak.

Norovirus is a particular problem in places where a large number of people congregate in a relatively confined area. Nursing homes, daycare centers, hotels, restaurants and cruise ships have all been venues for outbreaks of gastroenteritis caused by this virus.

People visiting, living in, or working in these environments should pay particular attention to personal hygiene - especially the need to wash their hands frequently, and especially before handling food or touching their own or anyone else's face.