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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 7) investigating two suspected food poisoning clusters affecting 12 persons and reminds the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved two men and three women aged 23 to 55 who developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea about five to 53 hours after having dinner at a food premises in Tsim Sha Tsui on December 27, 2015. Four of them sought medical attention but hospitalisation was not required.
The other cluster comprises four men and three women aged 23 to 80 who developed similar symptoms about 16 to 38 hours after having lunch at the same food premises on January 3 this year. Four of them sought medical attention but hospitalisation was not required.
All of the affected persons are now in stable condition. The CHP has also alerted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to the incident and the investigations are ongoing.
To prevent food-borne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
* Raw oysters are considered a high-risk food. Persons who consume undercooked or contaminated oysters may contract food-borne diseases such as norovirus, the hepatitis A virus or harmful bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus;
* High-risk populations including children, the elderly and persons with weakened immunity should avoid eating undercooked food, such as shellfish and particularly raw oysters;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
* Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hot pot or barbecue meal;
* Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Drink boiled water;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, January 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:16
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