**********************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 23) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 10 members of a tour group and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, four males and six females aged from 18 to 51, were members of a tour group visiting the Mainland from October 18 to 22. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after having dinner on October 20.
One of them sought medical treatment after arriving in Hong Kong and is in stable condition.
Further investigation is on-going.
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 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
NNNN
