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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 25) provided an update on its investigation announced yesterday into two suspected food poisoning clusters. All affected persons had consumed food at a restaurant in Tsuen Wan on February 20 and 21.
Subsequent to its follow-up investigations, the CHP has newly identified three clusters with 12 affected persons comprising four men and eight women aged 27 to 70. They developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea about nine to 81 hours after having lunch at the restaurant. Eight of them sought medical consultation but did not require hospitalisation. All of the affected persons are currently in stable condition.
This brings the total number of persons affected to 21 so far, comprising eight males and 13 females aged 11 to 70. The CHP has alerted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to the incident and the investigations are ongoing.
To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
* Raw oysters are considered a high-risk food. Persons who consume undercooked or contaminated oysters may contract food-borne diseases such as norovirus, the hepatitis A virus or harmful bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus;
* High-risk populations including children, the elderly and persons with weakened immunity should avoid eating undercooked food, such as shellfish and particularly raw oysters;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
* Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hot pot or barbecue meal;
* Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Drink boiled water;
* 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/Thursday, February 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:00
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