2005-03-16
In the light of increasing reports of suspected shellfish poisoning cases in the past two days, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 16) set up a hotline 2575 1221 to provide health advice to members of the public.
Consultant (Community Medicine) of the CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang said the hotline will be operated to 9 pm today and during office hours from tomorrow onwards.
Up to 3 pm today, the CHP has received a total of 12 reports of suspected cases of shellfish poisoning affecting a total of 24 people, comprising eight men and 16 women aged from 11 to 57.
Dr Thomas Tsang said the patients developed nervous system related symptoms including dizziness, limb weakness, blurred vision, calf cramps 20 minutes to three hours after consuming a same type of fresh scallops between March 13 and 15.
The scallops were brought from more than 10 markets from different districts comprising Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Tin Shui Wai, Chai Wan, Wan Chai, Wong Tai Sin and Tseung Kwan O, he said.
Dr Tsang said 14 of the affected people attended the accident and emergency department of public hospitals and one sought medical treatment from a private doctor. All are in stable condition and did not require hospitalization.
All the 12 cases have been referred to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for follow-up action.
Dr Tsang called on members of the public to avoid eating fresh scallops in the meantime and seek medical advice immediately if they developed shellfish poisoning symptoms.
"They should seek treatment from nearby hospitals and save any leftovers for investigation and laboratory testing," Dr Tsang said.
The Department of Health received 11 reports of shellfish poisoning involving 36 people in the past five years.
End/Wednesday, March 16, 2005