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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 23) is investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 13 people.
Five men and eight women, aged between 20 and 70, developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever about four to 22 hours after having a meal at a restaurant in Wan Chai on June 16.
Nine of them consulted private doctors while two sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals. No hospitalisation was required.
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:
* Patronise only 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, sushi 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/Monday, June 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:01
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