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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 5) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases after receiving reports of four suspected food poisoning cases involving a total of 13 persons.
The affected four groups comprised eight men and five women aged between 20 and 31. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever about 13 to 41 hours after having buffet dinner at a hotel in Macao separately on August 30, 31 and September 1.
Eleven of them sought medical attention from private doctors or public hospital but none of them required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
CHP has informed the Macao health authority about the reports.
Members of the public 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/Friday, September 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:17
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