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The Centre for Health protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 23) called on members of the public to be cautious when handling a type of fruit called langsat (Īۣ) , following a report of suspected scorpion-sting involving a man.
This is the third report of this kind received by the CHP this year.
The case involved a 70-year-old man who was stung on the middle finger of his left hand by a scorpion when he was cleaning some langsat with water at his home in Diamond Hill today. He claimed that the fruit was bought from a fruit stall in Ngau Chi Wan this morning.
The man's finger became swollen and numb immediately. He sought medical treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was admitted for further management. He is in stable condition.
A CHP spokesman called on members of the public to be extra careful in handling langsat.
"They should examine the bunch of langsat carefully by holding the stalk of the bunch and shaking it vigorously under water before taking the individual langsat for consumption, as scorpion may hide itself among the langsat in some of the bunches," he said.
Anyone who is stung by scorpion should take the following measures:
* Apply a cold compress to the skin to relieve the swelling and pain;
* Gently wash the affected areas with soap and water and leave the wound intact;
* Do not scratch the wound;
* Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Ends/Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 23:10
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