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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two reports of suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving 11 people who felt sick after dinning at a Sha Tin restaurant.
The first group comprised one man and two women, aged 18 and 40, who had dinner in the restaurant on April 30. They developed symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea about 12 to 20 hours afterwards. One of them sought medical treatment from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital and one consulted private doctor. No hospitalization was required and they are now in stable condition.
In the second group, eight people (four males and four females aged 7 to 82) developed similar symptoms about eight to 18 hours after having dinner in the restaurant on the same day. One of them was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital while two others consulted private doctors. They are now in stable condition.
Initial investigations suggested that bacteria were likely to be the causative agent of these outbreaks.
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 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/Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:03
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