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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 26) investigating two suspected food poisoning cases involving 11 persons and reminded members of the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved two men and five women aged between 24 and 30. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhoea about three to 14 hours after dining at a restaurant in Jordan in the evening of November 23. One of them subsequently sought medical consultation from a private doctor.
Another cluster involved three men and a woman aged between 28 and 35. They developed similar symptoms about three to 20 hours after eating at the same restaurant last night (November 25). They did not seek medical attention.
All affected persons are currently in stable condition and none of them required hospitalisation. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
Members of the public 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 in choosing cold dishes, including 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/Monday, November 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:50
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