21 Apr 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 21) received notification of a suspected food poisoning outbreak involving 13 staff members of an elderly home in Fanling.
Thirteen women, aged 33 to 55, developed gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhoea from yesterday afternoon to about 6am today.
The symptoms were generally mild. None of those affected required hospitalisation. They are now in stable condition.
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. 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.