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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a report of suspected food poisoning involving nine people.
The affected, comprising two men and seven women aged 16 to 60, developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about two to 15 hours after dining in a restaurant in Tuen Mun yesterday (January 2).
Six of them sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital, two visited general practitioners and one visited the outpatient department of Pok Oi Hospital. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalisation.
The CHP's initial investigations showed that bacterial contamination could be the likely cause of the outbreak. Further investigations are in progress.
The 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 crustaceans and bivalve seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters and clams;
* Wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet;
* Handle raw and cooked food with separate utensils to prevent cross contamination;
* Keep raw and cooked food separately;
* Store food in the refrigerator (at 4 degrees Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
* Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:40
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