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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases after receiving reports of three suspected food poisoning cases involving a total of 10 persons.
The three affected groups comprised four men and six women aged between 15 and 58. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever about 13 to 35 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Mong Kok on September 10.
Four of them sought medical attention from private doctors. Three others attended the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals. None of them required hospitalisation. They are all in stable condition.
The CHP will continue to follow up the cases.
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/Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:46
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