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.
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities
Leading a business delegation to visit Urumqi, Xinjiang, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with the Secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee, Mr Ma Xingrui; the Chairman of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Mr Erkin Tuniyaz; and Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Mr Serik Zhumangarin today (December 5) to exchange views on promoting economic and trade co-operation among the three places, with a view to jointly exploring the full range of opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mr Yau noted that Kazakhstan is a hub connecting Europe and Asia, while Xinjiang serves as a key link for the Silk Road on land, whereas Hong Kong is the premier gateway to the Mainland market. By strengthening exchanges and co-operation, the three places will be able to achieve complementarity for greater benefits, contributing to the prosperity of the Belt and Road regions.
Mr Yau said that over the past decade, trade value between Hong Kong and Belt and Road economies other than Mainland China has increased by nearly 60 per cent, demonstrating that the Belt and Road Initiative has been creating more opportunities for Hong Kong and has become a new driving force for Hong Kong's economic growth.
He added that Hong Kong is ranked as the world's freest economy and serves as the country's gateway to the world and the functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to support enterprises and professional services in exploring global markets and business opportunities along the Belt and Road, as well as assist Belt and Road countries and regions to enhance professional capacities and promote people-to-people bonds.
Mr Yau also held bilateral meetings with Mr Tuniyaz and Mr Zhumangarin respectively to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, and other members of the delegation attended a co-operation and exchange forum between China (Xinjiang, Hong Kong) and Kazakhstan today to promote Hong Kong's advantages and participated in sharing sessions focusing on various areas including cultural exchanges, energy industries, digital economy, commerce and logistics and finance, with a view to promoting economic and trade co-operation and people-to-people exchanges among the three places.
After his arrival yesterday (December 4), Mr Yau visited the exhibition centre of textile and geographical indication products of Urumqi, Xinjiang, to learn about the development of local specialty products. He then had dinner with representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Xinjiang to keep abreast of their business operations and the latest economic developments in the region.
Mr Yau will lead the delegation to visit local enterprises tomorrow (December 6) to gain an understanding of the development of the related industries before returning to Hong Kong.
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SCED leads delegation to visit Xinjiang to enhance co-operation to jointly explore Belt and Road opportunities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
