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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating an imported case of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people.
The affected people, a man and nine women, aged 22 to 59, were among a tour group to Cambodia. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea after having dinner buffet in Cambodia on August 7.
On their return to Hong Kong, two of them sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital while another one consulted a private doctor. All are in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.
The CHP has contacted the travel agency concerned for follow-up action and providing health education.
People are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* Only patronise reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise 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/Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:11
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