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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 24) investigating two suspected food poisoning clusters affecting nine people and hence reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster involved three male and three female aged 11 to 38 who developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea about four to 34 hours after having lunch at a food premises in Tsuen Wan on February 21.
Three of them sought medical attention but hospitalisation was not required.
The second cluster comprises one man and two women aged 37 to 60 who developed similar symptoms about 39 to 50 hours after having lunch at the same food premises on February 20.
Two 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/Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:00
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