Hongkongers warned of norovirus infection risk when travelling to Japan
Gastroenteritis cases have surged in Japan after infections linked to contaminated food, including strawberry daifuku, authorities say
Health authorities have warned Hongkongers to guard against norovirus infections while travelling to Japan as cases of infectious gastroenteritis rise in the country.
Dr Edwin Tsui, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, issued the warning on Saturday amid a recent spike in viral gastroenteritis in Japan, following several cases linked to contaminated food since last month.
“More than 150 people have been infected with norovirus since last month after patronising Kiichi, a Japanese restaurant in Osaka prefecture, or eating Japanese confectionery, including strawberry daifuku, produced by the Kiyotsuki Co Ltd in Yonago city, Tottori prefecture,” he said, citing Japanese authorities.
The country’s health authorities also indicated that infectious gastroenteritis cases had increased recently, he added.
Tsui reminded the public to be more vigilant and pay attention to personal, environmental and food hygiene to minimise the risk of food poisoning when travelling in the country.
He warned that norovirus was highly contagious and might lead to a large-scale outbreak, with individuals getting infected easily after minimal exposure.