***************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 9) is investigating two suspected food poisoning cases and has reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first case involved four women and one man aged from 30 to 60 who developed gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever about 11 to 16 hours after having dinner at a food premises in Peng Chau on October 7.
In the second case, three women and two men aged between 21 and 60, developed similar gastroenteritis symptoms about 9 to 13 hours after having dinner at the same premises on the same day.
Among the 10 affected, four sought medical treatment from private doctors while three other attended Accident & Emergency Department of public hospitals. One of them was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre and is now in stable condition.
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/Thursday, October 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:13
NNNN
