*************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 18) did not receive any report from the Hospital Authority and private doctors of renal problems related to consumption of melamine tainted milk products, a CHP spokesman said.
In the 24 hours to 1pm today, the CHP hotline 2125 1133 had received seven enquiries from members of the public, bringing to 10,438 the number of calls received by the hotline since it was set up on September 21.
"A total of 3,794 callers claimed that they or their children had consumed milk products which were confirmed to have been adulterated with melamine, and 1,136 of the affected people, 607 males and 529 females aged from 1 to 82, claimed to have symptoms of renal problems including dysuria and changes in the frequency of urination.
They have been advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ascertain if they were suffering from renal disease," the spokesman said.
The remaining 6,644 callers had no history of exposure to melamine adulterated milk products and just asked for general health advice.
The CHP hotline, which operates from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, caters for individuals who have consumed milk products contaminated with melamine or those who are experiencing renal symptoms.
Ends/Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
NNNN
