19 Sep 2011
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (September 19) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 29 persons from a primary school in Sham Shui Po and reminded people to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The case involved 29 pupils and staff (18 males and 11 females, aged between 7 and 59). They developed fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting about nine to 48 hours after having lunch at school on September 16.
Most of them sought medical consultation and two pupils required hospitalisation. All those affected are now in stable condition. The food consumed by the affected persons was cooked in the school. The investigation continues.
People are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases. When dining out:
* 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, sushi and raw oysters, at 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 the toilet.