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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating today (November 28) two reports of suspected food poisoning involving 10 people who felt sick after having dinner in a food premises in Southern District.
In the first cluster, two men and three women aged 24 to 55 developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea about 10 to 14 hours after having dinner in the restaurant on Sunday (November 26). None of them sought medical treatment afterwards.
The second cluster involved three females and two males aged 10 to 43. They developed diarrhoea and abdominal pain about 12 to 24 hours after having dinner at the restaurant on the same day. Two of them sought medical attention from private doctors.
All the affected people are in a stable condition and none required hospitalisation.
The CHP's initial investigations showed that bacteria could be 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.
Members of the public are advised to take the following measures:
* Patronise licensed food premises with good reputations;
* Do not consume food that is discoloured or tastes abnormal;
* The elderly, children and people with low immunity should avoid consuming raw and cold foods and high-risk items such as oysters, sashimi, sushi and salads;
* Wash hands thoroughly before touching food and eating it; and
* Use separate utensils such as tongs and plates provided by the food premises to handle raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:16
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