**************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two suspected food poisoning cases involving 26 people.
The first case, comprising six men and eight women aged between 10 and 44, developed abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and nausea about three to 29 hours after taking dinner in a restaurant in Mong Kok on July 28 and 29.
Their symptoms were generally mild. Eight of them sought medical treatment from hospital Accident and Emergency Departments. One consulted a private doctor. None required hospitalization. They are in stable condition.
The second case involved seven men and five women, aged from 46 to 92, who felt sick after having dinner in a private club in Wan Chai on July 28. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and fever after 18 to 51 hours.
Two of them sought treatment from hospital Accident and Emergency Department and three others visited private or public clinics. All are stable. None required hospitalization.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreaks. Further investigation is in progress.
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 crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
- Wash hands before eating and after going to 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 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
- Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Monday, July 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:30
NNNN
