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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating three reports of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people.
Those affected - six men and four women aged between 20 and 46 - developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever four to 29 hours after having lunch provided by a food premises in Kowloon Bay on February 6 and 7.
Three of them sought treatment from United Christian Hospital. Seven others consulted private doctors. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacterial contamination 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/Friday, February 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:31
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