********************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a report of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people.
The affected people, comprising three men and seven women aged between 22 and 50, developed diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and fever about nine to 24 hours after having dinner in a restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui on June 20.
One of them sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and six consulted general practitioners. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalization.
CHP's initial investigations showed that viral or bacterial contamination could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.
CHP reminded members of the public, especially food handlers, to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases. They are advised to take the following measures:
* Clean and cook food thoroughly before consumption, particularly crustacean and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in refrigerator (at 4 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
* Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Saturday, June 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:34
NNNN
