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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 16) reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The appeal was made following CHP¡¦s investigation into two suspected food poisoning cases involving six people.
In the first case, one man and one woman, both aged 27, developed similar gastroenteritis symptoms about 18 to 27 hours after having a meal at a restaurant in Wan Chai on June 9.
They sought medical treatment from private doctor and Accident and Emergency Department of public hospital. No hospitalisation was required.
The second case involved one man and three women aged from 16 to 45. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and fever about 14 to 17 hours after having a meal at the same restaurant on June 15.
They consulted private doctors and no hospitalisation was required.
Further investigation is in progress.
When dining out, members of the public should:
* Patronise only 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 the toilet.
Ends/Monday, June 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:51
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