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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (July 7) three reports of suspected food poisoning involving 11 people who consumed take-away food bought at Ngau Tau Kok.
The affected people, comprising three men and eight women aged between 9 and 56, developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting about 7 to 16.5 hours after consumption of the food bought on July 6.
The three reports comprised two females aged 54 and 56, one male and three females aged 9 to 42 as well as two males and three females aged from 10 to 48.
Their symptoms were generally mild. Nine of them sought medical treatment from the accident and emergency department of United Christian Hospital. None required hospitalisation.
CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.
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:
* Consumers should patronise licensed food premises with good hygienic conditions;
* 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, July 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:33
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