*************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 11) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 10 people who felt sick after consuming take-away food from a restaurant in Sham Shui Po and also home-made food.
Those affected, 10 women aged between 26 and 55, developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about five to 56 hours after having the food around noon on September 7.
Their symptoms were generally mild. Two sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital and Caritas Medical Centre, respectively. Five others consulted private doctors. None required hospitalistion.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.
CHP reminded peoplecially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. They are advised to take the following measures:
? Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
? Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet;
? Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;
? Keep raw and cooked food separately;
? The total keeping and display time for take-away food should not exceed 4 hours;
? Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
? Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Monday, September 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:03
NNNN
