On March 20, 2025, 135 teachers and students from Law Ting Pong Secondary School set off for a three-day exchange program in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, China. What was anticipated to be an educational experience turned into a health concern as 21 members of the group subsequently exhibited symptoms aligned with norovirus infection. By March 23, it was confirmed that eight of these individuals tested positive for the virus, prompting investigations and health advisories from health authorities.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported that ailments such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever were noted starting from March 21, the day following their arrival in Zhaoqing. During the span between 11 AM on March 21 and 8 AM the next morning, 20 students and one teacher began showing signs of illness. In total, 18 of the affected individuals sought medical attention locally; fortunately, all have since been discharged and are in stable condition.
Initial investigations revealed that the affected participants had only shared group meals, and there have not been any reported acute gastroenteritis outbreaks at the school recently. This has led to a thorough examination of several potential causes for the infection, including person-to-person contact, contaminated food, and environmental factors. "The Centre is investigating the possible sources of the norovirus outbreak, including person-to-person transmission, contaminated food, or environmental transmission," the CHP stated.
Upon identifying the cases, the CHP communicated the relevant epidemiological data to the Guangdong Provincial Health Bureau, which has now initiated its own inquiry into the matter. In light of this incident, health officials have advised the affected school on the transmission, prevention, and control of acute gastroenteritis, suggesting they monitor symptoms closely and follow recommended health protocols.
The incident is not isolated, as other regions popular among Hong Kong travelers are also seeing outbreaks of gastroenteritis. The CHP reported an uptick in cases across various destinations, emphasizing that locations like Japan and Taiwan are experiencing significant gastroenteritis issues. "The public should be vigilant when traveling abroad and pay attention to personal, environmental, and food hygiene to reduce the risk of infection," they warned.
The increase in gastroenteritis cases is of particular concern, as the CHP's data show that cases surged at the end of December last year and have continued to remain elevated since. In January and February of 2025, there were recorded outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis numbering 57 and 49, respectively. So far in March, up to the 15th, there have already been 21 reported outbreaks, with a substantial portion attributed to norovirus.
Moreover, in addition to the investigation currently taking place in Zhaoqing, health authorities continue to observe the broader patterns of illness emerging from popular tourist destinations. Notably, norovirus outbreaks have led to extensive food poisoning cases in Japan, and the number of individuals seeking treatment for related symptoms in Singapore has increased compared to last year.
In response to the outbreak affecting Law Ting Pong Secondary School, the authorities are following protocol to ensure that the situation is managed effectively. Investigations are set to continue, and the CHP has made arrangements for the collection of stool samples from affected individuals for further testing. Such measures are crucial in determining the origin of the norovirus and how to prevent further spread.
As the situation evolves, schools, families, and travelers are encouraged to remain informed and exercise caution, particularly in tracking personal hygiene and consuming food from reputable sources. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of how health issues can arise during travel and the importance of preparedness in safeguarding public health.
In summary, the norovirus outbreak linked to the Law Ting Pong Secondary School's exchange program underscores the necessity for vigilance and proactive health measures when in unfamiliar settings. With health authorities on high alert and widespread outbreaks also occurring in other locales, maintaining awareness will be key in preventing illness as the situation continues to unfold.
