************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 12) urged the public to be on guard against food-borne infections following the reports of two imported food poisoning outbreaks involving 12 people.
The affected people, four males and eight females, aged from seven to 56 years, were members of two tour groups organised by the same travel agency. The two groups departed for Thailand on November 4 and 6 respectively.
Initial investigation showed that six members of the first group had developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting since November 6. Six members of the second group developed similar symptoms since November 9.
Nine of them sought medical treatment upon their return to Hong Kong. All are in stable condition and no hospitalisation was required.
Further investigation is continuing.
The CHP has contacted the travel agency concerned and other tour members to give health education and has notified the relevant health authority about the cases.
A CHP spokesman said, "Whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad, members of the public should pay attention to personal hygiene and take measures to prevent food-borne infection."
Members of the public are urged to:
* Wash and cook seafood thoroughly before eating, particularly crustaceans and bivalves 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 the refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and thoroughly reheat leftover food before eating;
* Keep the environment clean.
When travelling outside Hong Kong, they should:
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Eat only thoroughly cooked food and food from sealed packs or cans;
* Avoid cold dishes such as salad and ice-cream;
* Drink only boiled water, canned or bottled drinks, pasteurised milk or dairy products;
* Avoid adding ice to drinks or drinking fresh fruit juice in an unhygienic environment;
* Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers; and
* Wash fruit thoroughly before eating and do not eat fruit that has already been peeled or cut open.
Ends/Monday, November 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:14
NNNN