Press Release

Food poisoning case in Kwun Tong

24 June 2005

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating two cases of suspected food poisoning involving seven people this week

The affected persons, in two groups, comprised five men and two women aged between 6 and 55. They developed diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting about 12 to 24 hours after having dinner at the same restaurant in Kwun Tong.

The first group involved 2 men and 1 woman who had their dinner on June 19. The second group comprised 3 men and one woman who had their meals on June 22.

All of them approached the accident and emergency departments of United Christian Hospital or Eastern Hospital for consultation. None of them required hospitalisation.

There was another food poisoning outbreak at this restaurant last month involving four men and two women, who had their dinner there on May 22. One of them sought medical treatment in Tseung Kwan O Hospital while the other four consulted private doctors. None of them required hospitalization.

CHP's investigations suggested that bacterial contamination was the likely cause for these outbreaks.

Further investigations are in progress.

CHP reminded members of the public to observe good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent food-borne diseases.