9 more kindergarteners catch stomach flu

The Health Bureau (SSM) received another case of collective stomach flu involving nine pupils from Infantário de Santa Rosa de Lima in Rua Nova à Guia, an SSM statement said on Monday.

According to the statement, the 2-year-old kindergarteners – three boys and six girls – caught stomach flu. The statement noted that some of the pupils showed symptoms of gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu) such as vomiting, fever, stomachache and diarrhoea starting on Thursday, adding that three of them were hospitalised due to frequent vomiting.

The statement said that the bureau suspected the cases were caused by a virus; however, the statement added that further investigation is required.

Moreover, the statement confirmed that the collective stomach flu cases involving pupils and teachers from the Santa Maria Mazzarello School in Rua da Praia do Manduco reported to the bureau on Sunday was caused by norovirus. The statement pointed out the new updated number shows that 46 patients from the school caught stomach flu, comprising 44 pupils, one teacher and a caretaker. The statement noted that all the pupils are kindergarteners.

According to the statement, after investigation, the bureau came to the conclusion that Sunday’s stomach flu outbreak started on Friday. The statement said that the bureau has already sent some of its officials to the school to educate teachers and workers about stomach flu.

The bureau once again urged people to be more aware of personal hygiene and not to attend work or school if they have symptoms of stomach flu. The statement said that if there are suspected cases of stomach flu at a particular location, please phone 2870 0800. 

(The Macau Post Daily/Macao News)
Photo by David Mao