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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected food poisoning case today (December 24) involving 10 people and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected are four men and six women, aged from 30 to 48, who developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and nausea about 12 to 59 hours after consuming meal at a Christmas Party on December 19.
The food was provided by two caterers.
Six of them sought medical treatment at private doctors and one attended Accident & Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital. No one required hospitalisation. All the affected are in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
People are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters in a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopping board 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/Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:01
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