CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 25) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting tourists of inbound tour groups from the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
All affected persons had meals in Hong Kong and subsequently travelled to Macao with the tour groups and sought medical advice there. According to the epidemiological investigations by the CHP and Macao authorities, two clusters with 13 affected persons were identified.
The first cluster involved five males and three females aged between 48 and 68, who developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea about 14 hours after having lunch in a restaurant in To Kwa Wan on July 22. The stool sample of one of the patients tested positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
The other cluster involved two males and three females aged between 26 and 57, who developed similar symptoms about nine hours after having lunch in the same restaurant on the same day.
All affected persons have sought medical advice in Macao. None of them required hospitalisation and all of them are in stable condition.
Initial investigations revealed that the affected persons aforementioned had consumed common food, while some other tour groups also patronised the restaurant. The CHP is currently contacting other tour groups to find out if they are being affected. The personnel from the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an inspection at the restaurant. The investigations of the CHP and the CFS are ongoing.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) held a welcome home reception at Ma On Shan Sports Centre, Sha Tin, today (September 16) to greet the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games returning from the Games.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the reception. He presented certificates of commendation to the Hong Kong athletes who participated in the Games in recognition of their excellent performance at the Games; and extended his appreciation to the coaches, medical team and staff of the Delegation, as well as the relevant sports committees and sports associations.
Mr Lee said that the athletes overcame their physical limitations to compete in the Games, showcasing their indomitable sportsmanship. When they step onto the field, they show the world the Hong Kong spirit of becoming stronger in the face of challenges. They serve as examples of telling good Hong Kong stories on the international stage.
The Government has long been supporting the development of sports for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the resources allocated to athletes with disabilities have been increasing. In this financial year, the Government has allocated over $130 million for promoting the development of sports for PWDs, an increase of over 40 per cent compared to five years ago. In collaboration with the HKPC, the Government has launched a five-year pilot programme on career and education for athletes with disabilities to assist them in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skill sets for their post-athletic transformation. The programme will help them start their "second careers", allowing them to focus on their training and competition without worries. Mr Lee added that the outstanding performance of the athletes in the Paris Paralympic Games reflects the effectiveness of the Government's efforts in promoting disability sports.
The 2024 Paralympic Games was held between August 28 and September 8 this year in Paris, France. A total of 23 Hong Kong athletes were sent to take part in eight competition events, namely archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, equestrian, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. With their exceptional skills and perseverance, the Hong Kong team won eight medals in total, including three gold, four silver and one bronze medals in the events of swimming, boccia and badminton. Their performance was impressive, and the results were exciting.
Also attending the event today were the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Songmiao; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Christile Drulhe; the President of the HKPC, Mrs Jenny Fung; the Chef de Mission of Hong Kong, China Delegation to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Dr John Leung; and the Honorary President of the HKPC, Dr York Chow.
After the reception, Mr Lee hosted a luncheon at Government House to commend the Delegation for their efforts and outstanding performance in the Games.
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CE welcomes Hong Kong, China Delegation returning from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases