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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 4) investigating an imported food poisoning case involving 12 people.
The affected, a man and 11 women, aged between 20 and 22, joined a cruise tour from December 29 to January 2. It was reported that they developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and fever about seven to 41 hours after consuming a meal in a restaurant on Hainan Island on December 30.
Four of them sought medical treatment from private doctors while one was admitted to United Christian Hospital in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
People are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* Only patronise reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Friday, January 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:19
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