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Health Authorities Investigate Shiga Toxin E. coli Case, Urge Public to Maintain Hygiene

HK

Health Authorities Investigate Shiga Toxin E. coli Case, Urge Public to Maintain Hygiene
HK

HK

Health Authorities Investigate Shiga Toxin E. coli Case, Urge Public to Maintain Hygiene

2024-10-15 20:00 Last Updated At:20:08

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.

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    FEHD Cracks Down on Illegal Food Sales by Hawkers to Ensure Public Health and Safety

    2024-11-04 22:26 Last Updated At:22:38

    FEHD highly concerned about illegal sale of food such as meat by unlicensed hawkers

    In response to a media report on the illegal sale of food items like meat by unlicensed hawkers on Tak Tai Path, Kwai Chung, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 4) said that the department has deep concern and has taken prompt action to combat these illegal acts in order to safeguard public health and food safety.

    The FEHD spokesman said that during an enforcement operation in August this year, the FEHD staff arrested an unlicensed hawker for selling frozen meat and sushi illegally. In addition, they arrested three unlicensed hawkers for selling second-hand goods at the same location last week. To prevent similar irregularities, the FEHD has strengthened inspections at the location. Furthermore, the FEHD will organise special operations and conduct blitz inspections at locations across the territory that have frequent illegal hawking activities. The FEHD will take stringent enforcement actions against the illegal sale of food by hawkers. The FEHD also encourages members of the public to report hawkers selling suspicious food to the department.

    The spokesman emphasised that under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), any person who sells restricted food (including frozen meat, sashimi and sushi) without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction. No one should defy the law. The spokesman reminded members of the public that consuming food from unknown sources and expired food, particularly high-risk food like meat, sashimi and sushi, may pose serious food safety risks. Members of the public should refrain from patronising illegal hawkers when purchasing any food.

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