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The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (May 17) investigating two suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving six persons and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The first cluster of cases involved one male and one female, aged 28 and 20. They developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, fever and vomiting about 21 to 22 hours after having dinner at a restaurant in Yau Tsim Mong District on May 14. They sought medical consultation but did not require hospitalisation.
The second cluster involved two males and two females, aged between 18 and 43. They developed similar symptoms about 12 to 35 hours after having dinner in the same restaurant on May 15. None sought medical consultation.
All the affected people are in stable condition. The investigation continues.
People are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* 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, sushi and raw oysters, at 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, May 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:07
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