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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 7) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 19 members of a tour group and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, nine females and 10 males aged between 22 and 42, were members of a tour group visiting Phuket, Thailand from November 1 to 5. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever since November 5.
One of them, a 29-year-old woman, sought medical treatment and was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital on November 6 after returning to Hong Kong. The admitted and all other affected persons are now in stable condition.
Meanwhile, result of the stool specimen collected from the patient is pending.
CHP¡¦s 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Monday, November 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:22
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