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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two reports of suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving 17 people upon notification by the Guangdong Department of Health.
The affected people, 5 males and 12 females, aged 24 to 69, were among two tour groups to Shaoguan in Guangdong Province.
A group of 15 people had breakfast at a hotel in Shaoguan on September 22. Five of them, one man and 4 women aged 40 to 52, developed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting 4.5 to 7 hours afterwards. They sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital upon returning to Hong Kong. All are in stable condition and no hospitalization was required.
Another group of 34 people had breakfast at the same place on September 22. Twelve of them, 4 men and 8 women aged 24 to 69, developed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting 2 to 13.5 hours afterwards. Some of them sought medical treatment at a local hospital. All are in stable condition and no hospitalization was required.
The CHP has contacted the two travel agencies concerned to give health education.
Initial investigations suggested that bacteria were likely to be the causative agent of the outbreaks.
The public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* Only patronize reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronize illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* 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;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to toilet.
Ends/Saturday, September 24, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:57
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