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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 16 people who felt sick after having lunch in a hotel in Mong Kok.
Those affected -- four men and 12 women aged 32 to 61 -- developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about six to 34 hours after having the lunch buffet in the hotel on July 22.
Their symptoms were generally mild. Ten of them sought medical treatment from private doctors or public hospitals. One was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital. Their condition is stable.
The CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the cause for the outbreak. Further investigations are in progress.
The CHP reminded members of the public, especially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. They are advised to take the following measures:
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustaceans and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
* Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:51
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