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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a report of suspected food poisoning involving 12 people.
The affected, comprising 11 men and a woman aged 44 to 58, developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever 27 to 57 hours after having lunch in a hotel in Tuen Mun on January 6.
All of them sought medical treatment from general practitioners. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalisation.
The CHP's initial investigations showed that bacterial contamination was the likely cause for 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 refrigerator (at 4 degree Celsius or below) and adequately reheat leftover food before consumption; and
* Keep the environment clean.
Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:50
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