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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 26) investigating two food poisoning clusters affecting five persons and hence reminded members of the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved two women and one man, aged from 31 to 50, who developed diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain about 36 hours after eating at a restaurant in Yuen Long on the evening of April 21. One of them sought private medical attention.
Another cluster involved two 27-year-old women who developed similar symptoms about 35 hours after dining at the same restaurant on the same day. The duo subsequently consulted private doctors.
None of the affected persons required hospitalisation and all are currently in a stable condition. The CHP's investigations are proceeding.
To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. 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/Friday, April 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:23
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