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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 10) investigating three reports of suspected food poisoning involving 17 people.
The three groups of affected people comprised eight men and nine women aged from 4 to 83. They developed abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about four to 19 hours after having dinners in a restaurant in Kwai Fong on April 8.
Fifteen of them sought treatment from the Accident and Emergency Departments of Princess Margaret Hospital, Union Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital and Yan Chai Hospital and two others consulted private doctors. Their symptoms were generally mild. One of those affected was admitted to Union Hospital in stable condition.
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/Monday, April 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:05
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