Update on suspected food poisoning clusters involving raw oyster consumption
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 31) reported an update on its investigations into clusters of suspected food poisoning involving consumption of raw oysters in restaurants of the same chain.

     Further to those reported yesterday (August 30), an additional cluster affecting one man and one woman aged 44 and 26 respectively was identified. They developed fever, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting some 34 to 37 hours after their dinner in the restaurant in Causeway Bay on August 28.

     Regarding the cluster dining in the restaurant in Mong Kok on August 25 reported yesterday, an additional patient was identified. So far, two men and one woman aged from 21 to 22 have developed similar symptoms some 11 to 35 hours after the dinner.

     All affected persons have sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All of them have been in stable condition.

     "To date, four recent clusters involving 12 persons dining in three restaurants of the same chain have been recorded. Epidemiological investigations show that all affected persons consumed raw oysters. We have informed the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department of the latest findings. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should observe health advice below when consuming raw oysters:
 
  • Regardless of the season or region the oysters are harvested, consuming oysters, particularly raw or partially cooked ones, carries an inherent risk;
  • Susceptible groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and persons with weakened immunity should avoid eating raw oysters;
  • To reduce risk, raw oysters should only be consumed in or obtained from reliable licensed premises;
  • Never eat oysters raw which are intended for consumption after cooking; and
  • Boil for three to five minutes, fry for at least three minutes or steam for four to nine minutes when cooking oysters.

Ends/Thursday, August 31, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:59

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