*************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (August 10) investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 14 people and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The case involved nine females and five males, aged between 1 and 35. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about 13 to 69 hours after having lunch during a private party in a private clubhouse in Tsim Sha Tsui on August 7.
Nine of them sought medical consultation but none required hospitalisation. All of those affected are in stable condition.
The food consumed by the affected persons was from three food suppliers. The investigation continues.
People are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* Patronise only reputable and licensed restaurants;
* Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
* Cook food thoroughly;
* Avoid eating raw seafood;
* Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
* Drink boiled water;
* Use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
* Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Ends/Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:47
NNNN