7 Nov 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 7) investigating a suspected food poisoning case involving 19 members of a tour group and reminded people to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.
The affected, nine females and 10 males aged between 22 and 42, were members of a tour group visiting Phuket, Thailand from November 1 to 5. They developed gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever since November 5.
One of them, a 29-year-old woman, sought medical treatment and was admitted to Pok Oi Hospital on November 6 after returning to Hong Kong. The admitted and all other affected persons are now in stable condition.
Meanwhile, result of the stool specimen collected from the patient is pending.
CHP's investigation is on-going.
People are reminded to observe good 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 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; and
* Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.