The Centre for Health Protection has been notified of five food poisoning outbreaks involving 36 people, and urges the public to be on guard against food-borne infections when travelling overseas.

Two outbreaks notified today involved 11 men and six women, aged 13 to 49, who were among two tour groups who travelled to Phuket, Thailand, from August 14 to 18.

They suffered diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting within 11 to 26 hours of having a lunch buffet on the island of Koh Khai on August 17. One sought treatment in Thailand and the others sought medical advice upon their return to Hong Kong. All are in stable condition.

Other Thailand tour groups affected

The other three outbreaks occurred earlier this month involving two tour groups that travelled to Thailand from August 8 to 12 and one from August 12 to 16.

Eight males and 11 females, aged seven to 46, developed gastrointestinal symptoms 12 to 30 hours also after eating at Koh Khai on August 11 and August 15.

Two were admitted to hospitals in Hong Kong and have already been discharged. The others sought medical treatment upon their return and all are in stable condition.

Samples tested positive for vibrio parahaemolyticus.

The Department of Health has contacted the travel agencies, the Travel Industry Council and tour members to give health education. The Thai Consulate-General and relevant health authorities were also notified.

Preventive measures

The public are reminded to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent food-borne diseases.

Only patronise reputable and licensed restaurants. Do not patronise illegal food hawkers, cook food thoroughly, avoid eating raw seafood, be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi and raw oysters in a buffet, drink boiled water, use two sets of chopsticks and eating utensils to handle raw and cooked food, do not use salt, vinegar, wine and wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective, and always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.