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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 12) investigating three suspected food poisoning clusters affecting 10 people and hence reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved two men aged 24 and 26 who developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting about 12 to 15 hours after having lunch in a staff canteen in Wan Chai on January 8.
The second cluster involved one woman and three men aged 37 to 42 who developed similar symptoms about six to 10 hours after having lunch at the same canteen on January 9.
The third cluster involved one man and three women aged 42 to 61 who developed similar symptoms about seven to 21 hours after having lunch at the same canteen on January 9.
All sought medical attention and two were admitted to hospitals. All the affected persons are now in a stable condition. Investigations of the CHP 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:
* Eat thoroughly cooked food;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
* Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* 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, January 12, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:44
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