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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 22) investigating an imported food poisoning case involving 12 people.
The affected, six women and six men aged from 15 to 61, were members of a tour group visiting Thailand from December 15 to 19. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting on December 18 and 19.
Five of them sought medical treatment from private doctors and no hospitalisation was required.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. 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:
* Only patronise 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/Friday, December 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:01
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