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CHP investigates suspected food poisoning outbreak
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 12) investigating a suspected outbreak of food poisoning affecting 19 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.

     The patients, comprising six men and 13 women aged from 9 to 83, developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever about 12 to 24 hours after having lunch at a restaurant in Yuen Long on July 9.

     Eight of them sought medical attention and three required hospitalisation, of whom one was discharged upon management. All the affected persons were in a stable condition.

     "Our epidemiological investigations are ongoing. We have alerted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to the incident," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
 
  • Avoid eating raw seafood;
  • 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/Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:36
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