The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is recently investigating an imported cluster of bacillary dysentery infection affecting 6 persons. An epidemiological investigation by the CHP revealed that the tour group comprised 10 persons and had stayed in Türkiye during 14 and 22 December 2023. They had meals at various restaurants and hotels there. The investigation is ongoing. Please click here for details.

Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infection caused by a group of Shigella bacteria which can be found in the human gut. It is transmitted directly by the faecal material of a patient/carrier or indirectly through contaminated food and water. It is also a cause of travellers' diarrhoea.

The CHP appealed to members of the public who have visited Türkiye, have a similar travel history, and consumed food at the aforementioned restaurants in mid to late December 2023 to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms. They should also notify doctors about their travel history and the possibility of involving bacillary dysentery. CHP also reminded members of the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent infection. For more details, please click here to visit CHP’s bacillary dysentery page.