************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 21) investigating an imported food poisoning case involving 12 people.
Those affected, five man and seven women aged between 30 and 65, joined a tour to Guilin from April 15 to 18. It was reported that they developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain about 18 to 40 hours after consuming dinner in a restaurant on April 17.
Three of them sought medical treatment from private doctors while four others attended hospital Accident and Emergency Departments. One of these four was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital in stable condition.
Further investigation is in progress.
People are reminded to observe good 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 and raw oysters in 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;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Monday, April 21, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:10
NNNN
