10 May 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 10) investigating two suspected food poisoning outbreaks involving 27 people and reminds members of the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
In the first outbreak, 10 males and 5 females aged between six and 61 developed gastroenteritis symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, about 15 to 36 hours after attending a banquet at an open area in Ma Wan on May 5.
Three of them required hospitalization. They are in stable condition.
Another outbreak involved two males and 10 females aged from10 to 89 who developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, about six to 37 hours after having home-prepared dinner at home in Sai Kung on May 8.
No hospitalization was required. All the affected are in stable condition.
Investigations into the two cases are continuing.
Members of the public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases.
When dining:
* 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.