CHP investigates case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 15) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.
The case involves a 47-year-old male with good past health, who presented with abdominal pain and diarrhoea on September 23. He attended Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH)on September 26, September 27 and October 3. His condition was stable and did not require hospitalisation.
His stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.
Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to the Mainland during the incubation period. His travel collateral has remained asymptomatic so far. Information from the patient revealed that he did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. As the patient worked at the HKSH Canteen (address: 4/F, Li Shu Pui Block, HKSH, Happy Valley) and was responsible for handling siu mei, the CHP is contacting other relevant staff members of the restaurant to follow up their health conditions.
Symptoms of STEC infection include abdominal cramps and diarrhoea that may in some cases progress to bloody diarrhoea. Fever and vomiting may also occur.The CHP appealsto persons who have patronised the above restaurant from September 23 onwards and have experienced relevant symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
The investigations of the CHP are ongoing.
"Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;
Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.
The public may visit the CHP'sSTEC pagefor more information.
Prohibition on possession of specified alternative smoking products in public places to take effect tomorrow
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) reminded the public that the provision under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 prohibiting the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs), such as e-cigarette capsules and heat sticks, in public places will take effect tomorrow (April 30).
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO), Photo source: reference image
Any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes, in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of HK$3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. Details are as follows:
Offence
Penalty
Possession of a quantity of specified ASPs not exceeding the specified limit (i.e. not more than 5 units of capsules/5mL of substance or 100 units of heat sticks or 100 rolls of herbal cigarettes)
- Fixed penalty of HK$3,000 (Note)
Possession of more than 5 units of capsules/5mL of substance or 100 units of heat sticks or 100 rolls of herbal cigarettes
- To be prosecuted in all cases
- Upon conviction, subject to a maximum fine at level 5 (i.e. HK$50,000) and imprisonment for six months.
The Government enacted comprehensive legislation four years ago (effective April 30, 2022), prohibiting the import, manufacture, promotion, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs, in order to reduce the chance for tobacco companies to use ASPs to lure the public, especially the younger generation, into smoking addiction. In other words, for the past four years, there have been no legal channels to obtain such products, nor could they be brought into Hong Kong from overseas. ASPs purchased for personal use before the ban came into effect should have been largely consumed after a certain period of time. The new measures taking effect tomorrow further strengthen the overall regulation of ASPs, preventing harmful tobacco products from continuing to circulate locally and tackling the use of ASPs and harmful substances at its root.
To publicise the new tobacco control legislation, TACO has produced various publicity materials (including leaflets and posters) and is raising public awareness of the new regulations through TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest, hanging banners and posters in various premises, placing advertisements on public transport, at bus stops and MTR stations, as well as enhanced promotion on social media. TACO has uploaded relevant information and frequently asked questions on its website for public inspection, and produced promotional leaflets specially for tourists. TACO also launched a four-week publicity campaign prior to the commencement of the provision, carrying out promotional activities in high-traffic areas, boundary control points and tourist attractions. In collaboration with District Councils, TACO has conducted community outreach to promote the new legislation, and has also co-ordinated with airline companies to make in-flight announcements about the new measures, reminding members of the public and visitors to comply with tobacco control legislation.
TACO stressed that currently there is no evidence to show that heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes are less harmful or beneficial for smoking cessation. On the contrary, ASPs have been proven to emit numerous toxic substances that can lead to addiction, illness, or even death. In the case of heated tobacco products, the World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated that there is insufficient evidence to show that they are less harmful than conventional cigarettes. As for e-cigarettes, the WHO has pointed out that e-cigarettes contain and release a number of potentially toxic substances that can cause cancer and damage the nervous system or respiratory system. Prolonged use of e-cigarettes may increase the risk of various heart and lung diseases as well as cancer.
The Government urges smokers to quit smoking as soon as possible. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183. The hotline is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.
Photo source: AP News
Note: Or upon summary conviction, a maximum fine at level 3 (i.e. HK$10,000)
