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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 21) investigating two suspected food poisoning clusters involving 10 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 four women, aged between 40 and 47, who developed diarrhoea and abdominal pain about four to 23 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on August 18. Two of them sought medical consultation and did not require hospitalisation.
Another cluster involved three men and two women, aged between 32 and 38, who developed similar symptoms about four to 19 hours after having dinner at the same restaurant on August 18. Two of them sought medical advice and did not require hospitalisation.
All the 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/Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:22
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