Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In view of the recent surge in norovirus food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 5) urged the public to stay vigilant, maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times, and avoid consuming high-risk foods like raw oysters to prevent foodborne diseases.
Recent surge in norovirus-related food poisoning cases
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“Food poisoning cases have increased significantly in the recent month, rising from one case a week on average in late December last year to four cases a week on average in January. A total of 16 cases have been recorded in the first five days of February. Since January 18, the CHP has so far recorded 23 food poisoning cases, affecting 69 persons. Among which, 20 cases (87 per cent) were related to norovirus, affecting 57 persons. Epidemiological investigation showed that all cases were related to raw oyster consumption. The places of origin of the raw oysters include Korea, France, Ireland, Spain, etc. Among the affected persons, five persons were hospitalised for treatment. All are in stable condition. The CHP has notified the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to follow up on the food poisoning cases,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
“As oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw and partially cooked oysters are considered a high-risk food. Persons who consume undercooked or contaminated oysters may contract food-borne diseases such as norovirus, hepatitis A virus or other bacteria. In view of the drastic increase in food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters recently, members of the public, especially pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, shall stay vigilant and avoid consumption of raw oysters or partially cooked bivalve shellfish to prevent infection,” Dr Tsui explained.
“In addition to food poisoning, norovirus can also cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE). The CHP reminded members of the public that AGE outbreaks have been steadily increasing since early January through press release
New food poisoning clusters
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The CHP is investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of four persons. The clusters involve one male and three females aged between 28 and 38. They developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever about 20 to 42 hours after having dinner at Odelice located at Shop No. 628, 6/F, New Town Plaza Phase 1, 18 Shatin Centre Street, Shatin on January 31 and February 1 respectively.———————————————————-