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Suspected cases of scorpion stings (with photo)
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    The Centre for Health protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 7) called on people to be cautious when handling a type of fruit called langsat (Īۣ), following two reports of suspected scorpion-sting.

     The first case involved a 64-year-old woman who was stung on the middle finger of her right hand by a scorpion when she tooksome langsat from a plastic bag on May 2.  She said the fruit was bought from a fruit stall in Hung Hom.

     The woman's finger immediately became swollen, numb and inflamed. She sought medical treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital the same day and was admitted for further management.  She was discharged on May 3.  

     The second case involved a 32-year-old woman who bought a bag of langsat from a stall in a market in Yau Ma Tei on April 30.  When the woman took out the fruit from the refrigerator on May 3, her right little finger was stung by a scorpion.

     The woman felt numbness and swelling over the finger.  She sought medical attention from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) immediately and was discharged after observation the following day.

     A CHP spokesman called on people to be extra careful when handling langsat.

     "They should examine the bunch of langsat carefully by holding the stalk of the bunch and shaking it vigorously under water before taking the individual langsat for consumption, as scorpion may hide itself among the langsat in the bunch."

     Anyone who is stung by scorpion should take the following measures:

* Apply a cold compress to the skin to relieve the swelling and pain;
* Gently wash the affected areas with soap and water and leave the wound intact;
* Do not scratch the wound;
* Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Ends/Monday, May 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:52

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