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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification today (November 4) of a suspected food poisoning outbreak affecting 13 persons and hence reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
Based on information from the affected persons, about 80 persons had consumed food in an office in Wan Chai on October 31. So far, the CHP has reached 14 of them and 13 cases were identified, which involved one man and 12 women aged between 21 and 34.
They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever between 13 and 29 hours after consuming food provided by a caterer. Twelve patients sought medical attention. Four of them attended the Accident and Emergency Department of public hospitals but did not require hospitalisation.
All affected persons are now in stable condition. Investigations are proceeding.
A CHP spokesman reminds members of the public to observe the following precautionary measures when enjoying delivered food for gatherings:
* Choose reliable catering supplier;
* Arrange food to be delivered at appropriate timing and consume the food immediately;
* Keep cold dishes at four degrees Celsius or below and hot-served foods above 60 degrees Celsius;
* Food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours; and
* Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:57
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