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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 25) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 13 members of a tour group and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, seven males and six females aged from 38 to 61, were members of a tour group visiting the Mainland from October 21 to 25. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after having dinner on October 23.
Five of them sought medical treatment in the Mainland and one other consulted private doctor after arriving in Hong Kong. None of them required hospitalization and all are in stable condition.
Further investigation is on-going.
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/Saturday, October 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:57
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