28 July 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 28) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 13 members of a tour group and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, five males and eight females aged from 12 to 70, were members of a tour group visiting Hong Kong. They had meals at a restaurant in Wan Chai on July 26 and subsequently developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Eleven of them sought medical treatment. No hospitalisation was required. All of them are in stable condition.
Investigations continue.
CHP reminded the public that when dining out, they should:
* 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 and raw oysters in 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 toilet.