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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 22) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 14 members of a study tour group and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
Those affected - three males and 11 females aged between 10 and 48 - arrived in Hong Kong from Taiwan on June 20. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about 10 to 35 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on the evening of June 20.
All sought medical treatment but hospitalisation was not required. All affected persons are in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing.
People are reminded to maintain 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 when choosing cold dishes such as sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:20
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