Update on suspected food poisoning clusters involving raw oyster consumption
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 1) reported an update on its investigations into clusters of suspected food poisoning involving consumption of raw oysters in restaurants of the same chain.

     Three additional clusters were identified. They are:
 
  1. Three women aged from 24 to 25 who developed vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain some 34 to 52 hours after their dinner in the restaurant in Mong Kok on August 26;
  2. One man and three women aged 24 to 31 who had similar symptoms some nine to 42 hours after a dinner in the restaurant in Mong Kok on August 25; and
  3. One man and one woman aged 29 to 30 who presented with similar symptoms some 29 to 34 hours after a dinner in the restaurant in Causeway Bay on August 26.

     Among them, all but two have sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.

     "To date, seven recent clusters affecting 21 persons dining in three restaurants of the same chain have been recorded. Epidemiological investigations show that they all consumed raw oysters before investigations and control measures instituted by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should observe the health advice below when consuming raw oysters:
 
  • Regardless of the season or region the oysters are harvested, consuming oysters, particularly raw or partially cooked ones, carries an inherent risk;
  • Susceptible groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and persons with weakened immunity should avoid eating raw oysters;
  • To reduce risk, raw oysters should only be consumed in or obtained from reliable licensed premises;
  • Never eat oysters raw which are intended for consumption after cooking; and
  • Boil for three to five minutes, fry for at least three minutes or steam for four to nine minutes when cooking oysters.

Ends/Friday, September 1, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:10

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