CHP reminds public to be vigilant in preventing norovirus when travelling outside Hong Kong
In view of a recent outbreak of norovirus infection in Japan after consuming contaminated lunch boxes, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (April 14) reminded the public to stay vigilant and pay attention to personal, environmental and food hygiene to minimise the risk of food poisoning when travelling.
"According to the Japanese authorities, 72 people developed food poisoning symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and vomiting after consuming lunch boxes provided by a catering service in the southern Tochigi on April 9, and one of them died with the cause of death yet to be ascertained. Investigations by the authorities concerned found that the stool samples collected from the affected patients and the staff of the catering service were tested positive for norovirus. As Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of Hong Kong, and the activity of norovirus in Japan this year is higher than that in the same period in the past five years, I would like to appeal to those who are planning to visit or are currently visiting Japan to remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected," Dr Tsui said.
"Norovirus is highly contagious and individuals may become infected after being exposed to even a small amount of norovirus. The virus can be transmitted through various means, such as eating contaminated food, contacting with the vomit or excreta of infected persons, and contacting with contaminated objects. It may lead to a large-scale outbreak. Since alcohol is not effective in killing norovirus, alcohol-based handrubs are not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water," he added.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mild fever and malaise. Most patients usually recover on their own and symptoms usually improve within one to three days.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are advised to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene. When eating out, the following points should be observed:
- Avoid eating raw seafood;
- Be careful in choosing cold cuts, including sashimi, sushi and oysters in buffets;
- Use pasteurised eggs, egg products or egg powders when preparing dishes using slightly cooked or uncooked eggs;
- Patronise reliable and licensed restaurants;
- Store and reheat pre-cooked or leftover food properly before consumption;
- When having hot pots or barbecuing, make sure the food is thoroughly cooked before eating;
- Handle raw and cooked food with care and separate them thoroughly during the cooking process;
- Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked food separately;
- Do not patronise unlicensed food stalls;
- Do not attempt to sterilise food by using salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi as they are not effective in sterilising food; and
- Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Members of the public may visit the CHP's webpages for more information and preventive advice onnorovirus infection.
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong
Customs YES and the Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong co-organised the "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" from April 7 to today (April 11). Assistant Commissioner (Administration and Human Resource Development) of Customs and Excise Ms Phoebe Wong, together with members of the Honorary Presidents' Association and the Executive Committee of Customs YES, led a delegation of 40 Customs YES members to Tianjin to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Tianjin's history and culture, as well as its technological development through cultural experiences, company visits and the exploration of its customs history.
The delegation first visited the Tianjin Xingang Customs Command Centre to learn about Tianjin's important historical role in external trade and shipping, and to understand the latest developments of modern customs in safeguarding national security and building Smart Customs. Delegation members were also briefed on the Smart Tianjin Port, gaining insights into the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, autonomous driving and high-precision positioning in the smart port, as well as the innovative advantages of green port construction.
The delegation then visited Airbus (Tianjin) Final Assembly Company Limited to learn about the final assembly process of A320-family aircraft and advanced aviation manufacturing technologies. Subsequently, the delegation visited the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" Exhibition Hall, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance to the country's civil aviation development, as well as the latest advancements in national aviation technology.
During the trip, members visited the Master Kong Dream Exploration Park to learn about the development of modern food industries and the achievements of national brands in food safety and research and development. They also paid a visit to Nankai University to engage in exchanges with local students, strengthening ties between youths of the two places.
The delegation also explored multiple historical and cultural landmarks during the tour, including the Memorial to Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao, Tianjin Huoyuanjia School and Jingwumen Chinese Wulin Park, enhancing members' understanding of the nation's revolutionary history and Tianjin's diverse and profound cultural heritage.
This study tour received partial funding from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission. Customs YES will continue to organise various exchange activities to promote youth development and foster a stronger sense of national identity and ethnic pride among its members.
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Customs YES co-organises "Where Rivers Meet the Sea: Customs History and Culture Exploration Tour to Tianjin" with Committee of Youth Activities in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
