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 infectious gastroenteritis in Japan, following several norovirus infections linked to contaminated food consumption 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 activity had increased recently, Tsui 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.
“As Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of Hong Kong, I would like to appeal to those who are planning to visit or are currently visiting Japan to remain vigilant ...
at all times,” he urged. He warned that norovirus was highly contagious and might lead to a large-scale outbreak, with individuals getting infected easily after minimal exposure..