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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 6) provided an update of its investigation announced on November 4 into a suspected case of food poisoning in which about 80 persons had consumed food in an office in Wan Chai on October 31.
Subsequent to its follow-up investigations, the CHP has so far reached 38 persons, and 18 more people were identified. Similar to the earlier cases announced on November 4, all the affected persons developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever between five and 30 hours after consuming food provided by a caterer.
The newly identified cases involve five men and 13 women aged from 22 to 34. Seven of them sought medical consultation but did not require hospitalisation. All the affected persons are currently in stable condition.
This brings to 31 the total number of persons affected so far. Investigation is still proceeding.
A CHP spokesman reminded members of the public to observe the following precautionary measures when enjoying delivered food for gatherings:
* Choose reliable catering supplier;
* Arrange food to be delivered at appropriate timing and consume the food immediately;
* Keep cold dishes at four degrees Celsius or below and hot-served foods above 60 degrees Celsius;
* Food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours; and
* Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Thursday, November 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:16
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