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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 26) called on members of the public to be cautious when handling a type of fruit called langsat, following a report of suspected scorpion-sting.
The case involved a 35-year-old man who was stung on a right finger by a scorpion when he was eating some langsat at his home in Happy Valley on October 25. He claimed that the fruit was bought from a fruit stall in North Point on the same day.
The man's finger became swollen and numb. He sought medical treatment at a private hospital in Causeway Bay. He was in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.
This is the fourth report of this kind received by the CHP this year.
A CHP spokesman called on members of the public to be extra careful in 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 some of the bunches," he said.
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/Friday, October 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:30
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