The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 27) reported an update on its investigations announced on November 20 into three suspected food poisoning clusters related to a restaurant in Mong Kok.

     Five additional clusters were identified. They are:
 

1. One man and one woman who developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting some 13 to 14 hours after their supper in the restaurant on November 19;
2. Two men and one woman aged from 25 to 31 who presented with similar symptoms about eight to 15 hours after their meal on November 19;
3. One man and three women aged 20 to 32 who had similar symptoms about 13 to 20 hours after their dinner on November 17;
4. Three men and four women aged 40 to 52 who had similar symptoms some three to 28 hours after their supper on November 24; and
5. Three men aged 43 to 57 who had similar symptoms some 14 to 24 hours after their lunch on November 22.

     Among them, 12 have sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.

     In addition, one more male patient aged 37 was affected in the third cluster reported earlier.

     "To date, eight recent clusters affecting 30 persons dining in the same restaurant have been recorded. Epidemiological investigations show that three of the additional clusters had meals in the restaurant concerned before investigation and control measures instituted by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and most affected persons had consumed lo mei in the restaurant concerned. We have alerted FEHD to the additional clusters and investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should observe the health advice below when consuming lo mei:
 

• Patronise clean and well-maintained food premises;
• Observe whether food handlers follow good personal hygiene;
• Observe whether the lo mei are covered or displayed in an insect- and dust-proof showcase;
• Observe whether raw food is placed in the lo mei showcase;
• Consume the lo mei as soon as possible; and
• Store the leftovers in a refrigerator and reheat them thoroughly before consumption.

Ends/Monday, November 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:51

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