A recent mainland exchange trip involving secondary school students and teachers has resulted in multiple cases of acute gastroenteritis. Wilson Lam, President of the Hong Kong Society for Infectious Diseases and Infectious Medicine, stated in a radio interview today (March 13) that norovirus activity has significantly increased in recent weeks, possibly contributing to the outbreak.
According to Lam, some students exhibited symptoms even before consuming local food, suggesting that they may have been infected before departing for the trip. He emphasized that norovirus is highly contagious, requiring only a small number of viral particles to spread. For example, if an infected student vomits in a confined space, such as a tour bus, nearby students are at risk of exposure. He urged the public to maintain strict personal hygiene and take preventive measures to avoid further infections.
Lee Yi-ying, Chairman of the Subsidized Secondary Schools Council, explained that most secondary schools outsource exchange programs to study tour agencies or travel groups, including meal arrangements. While schools may not have direct knowledge of local restaurant conditions, they do provide specific requirements to tour organizers. If students feel unwell during the exchange program, teachers assess their condition and, with parental consent, decide whether to seek medical assistance.
Health authorities are now closely monitoring the situation, urging schools and students to exercise caution when participating in overseas exchange programs, especially during peak seasons of viral infections.
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