CHP investigates suspected food poisoning

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating three reports of suspected food poisoning involving 11 people today (January 26).

The three groups of affected persons are aged from 6 to 77 and comprised seven male and four female. They developed abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever about 3 to 49 hours after having dinner in a restaurant in Mong Kok on January 22.

Six of them sought medical attention from private doctors. Their symptoms were generally mild. None required hospitalization.

Initial investigations showed that bacterial contamination could be the likely cause for the outbreak. Further investigation is in progress.

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.

End/Thursday, January 26, 2006