Three separate instances of gastroenteritis reported at a Hong Kong hospital have been deemed unconnected following an investigation.
In a recent development, health authorities in Hong Kong have confirmed that three suspected cases of gastroenteritis at a local hospital earlier this year, which led to the death of a young doctor and raised concerns of an outbreak of a highly toxic strain of E coli, were unrelated.
The Centre for Health Protection disclosed the results of its investigation on Friday, stating that the deceased oncologist had traces of a specific type of rotavirus, rather than Shiga toxin-producing E coli (STEC), but the exact cause of death remains uncertain. An expert from the investigative team noted that the detected rotavirus strain was unusual in Hong Kong, but there was no evidence of a community outbreak.
The death of the young doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital in February had sparked fears of an outbreak of the toxic E coli strain after it was found in the stool sample of one of the doctors who displayed milder symptoms. However, the investigation, which included an expert team from the department of microbiology at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), found that the suspected STEC infection stool sample did not yield "viable" bacteria of the infectious strain.
In light of this, the health authorities concluded that there was no STEC outbreak in the oncology department of the hospital, and there was no connection between the illnesses of the three doctors.
Rotavirus is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis globally, particularly in children under five. It can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, potentially leading to dehydration. Outbreaks in healthcare settings can occur due to factors such as transmission through the fecal-oral route, vulnerable patient populations, and inadequate infection control measures. Preventive measures like vaccination and strict adherence to hygiene practices are crucial in controlling rotavirus outbreaks.
- The investigation, contrary to initial fears, found no link between the alleged STEC outbreak and the illnesses of the three doctors, as the detected rotavirus strain in the young doctor's case was not related to the toxic E coli strain.
- While rotavirus is a significant cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, particularly in young children, this case in the hospital's oncology department highlights the importance of preventive measures, such as vaccination and rigid adherence to hygiene practices, in controlling rotavirus outbreaks in healthcare settings.
