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The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (June 30) investigating two clusters of suspected food poisoning involving 19 people.
The first cluster comprised six males and five females aged 30 to 38 who developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever about 11 to 22 hours after consuming food at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on June 28. Four of them sought medical treatment but did not require hospitalisation.
The second group consisted of five males and three females, all aged 28. They developed similar symptoms about four to 26 hours after having dinner at the same restaurant on the same day. Seven of them sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation.
All those affected are in stable condition. Investigation continues.
Members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:59
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