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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 9) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 15 members of a tour group and has reminded people to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, five males and 10 females aged between 20 and 61, were members of a tour group visiting Seoul, Korea, from November 2 to 6. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever since November 4.
Three of them sought medical treatment from private doctors after returning to Hong Kong. No hospitalisation was required. All the affected persons are now in stable condition.
The CHP's investigation is in progress.
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/Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:34
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