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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 20) investigating a report of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people.
The affected people - seven men and three women aged between 28 and 45 - developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about 3 to 28 hours after having lunch in a restaurant in Cheung Chau on June 17.
Their symptoms were generally mild. Eight of them sought medical treatment from private doctors and none required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.
CHP reminded people, 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/Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:55
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