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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 14) investigating two suspected food poisoning clusters involving 12 persons, and reminded members of the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved one man and three women, aged between 31 and 62, who developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, weakness and dizziness about 13 to 27 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Kowloon City on April 19. All of them sought medical attention. One was admitted to a private hospital and has been discharged.
Another cluster comprising four men and four women, aged between 29 and 62, developed similar symptoms about 14 to 39 hours after eating in the same restaurant on May 5. One of them was admitted to a private hospital and has been discharged.
All affected persons are currently in 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/Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:39
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