21 Jan 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 21) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 10 students and reminded members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, seven boys and three girls aged from eight to 10, are students of a primary school in Aberdeen. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and nausea about 15 minutes to one hour after consuming lunch boxes at school today.
All the affected are in stable condition. Further investigation is on-going.
Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* 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 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;
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.