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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 21) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 10 people who felt sick after having dinner in a food premises in Wong Tai Sin.
The affected, comprising nine men and a woman aged between 18 and 20, developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about 17 to 24 hours after having meal in the premises around midnight on August 19.
Their symptoms were generally mild. All of them sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital and none required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.
CHP reminded people, 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, August 21, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:52
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